The US and the Philippines hold joint press conference after the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting on July 30, 2024 in Quezon City. (Photo: PNA)

Speaking after the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Austin said both nations are committed to making the defense alliance “even more secure through technology and security and cyber cooperation”.

“We reiterated our shared intent to conclude a general security of military information agreement (GSOMIA) by the end of the year” he said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., meanwhile, said the deal would serve as a tool to help the Philippines develop its operational security.

Both sides also agreed to advance cybersecurity cooperation by investing in the capabilities of the Philippines. In addition, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced 500 million USD in new military assistance to the Philippines.

On top of fortifying their defense alliance, the two sides are also finding ways to foster economic resilience. They agreed to further cooperate on critical minerals processing and strengthen private sector partnerships, particularly shipbuilding and ship repair.

The two will also convene various high-level meetings, including the 2nd Energy Policy Dialogue in Manila to diversify critical minerals supply chains, promote renewable energy deployment, and foster reliable and resilient power grids in the country, among others.