MANILA, April 28 (PNA) — United States President Barack Obama said the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines will benefit the two countries, particularly on military readiness and response to calamities.
In a press conference with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang on Monday, Obama said the goal of the new defense cooperation agreement is wide-ranging.
The US President said that both countries have maintained strong alliance for many decades and Monday’s signing is an update on that partnership.
The goal of the agreement is to build Philippine capacity in training and in coordination, he said, adding that the EDCA not only concentrates on maritime security, but also on enhancing the two countries’ capabilities in responding to natural disasters.
“If there are additional threats that may arise, we are able to work in a cooperative fashion,” he said.
The agreement is similar to the pact that the US signed with Australia, he noted.
“I think this is going to be a terrific opportunity for us to work with the Philippines to make sure that our navies, our air force are coordinated; to make sure that there is information-sharing; to allow us to respond to new threats and to work with other countries—ASEAN countries, Australia, Japan,” Obama said.
The US goal here is simply to make sure that everybody is operating in a peaceful and responsible fashion, he said.
When there is regional stability, countries focus on more important things like increasing prosperity and growth, as well as creating jobs, the US leader noted.
“Those are the things that we, as leaders, should be focused on, need to be focused on. And if we have security arrangements that avoid conflict and dispute, then we’re able to place our attention on where we should be focusing,” Obama said.
Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on Monday morning signed the agreement that allows a bigger US military presence in the country.
The 10-year deal is only a framework agreement. Details on the duration and number of US troops staying in the country still have to be negotiated.
Obama arrived in the Philippines from Malaysia on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit. Manila is the final leg of his Asian trip that also took him to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. (Philippine News Agency)