Admiral John C. Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), has paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. on Monday as part of his two-day visit to Manila.

During the call, Aquilino welcomed the progress on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) as “a huge leap forward that puts stake on the ground for continued cooperation.”

He assured Locsin that the US sees the Philippines and the US as sovereign, equal defense partners in ensuring the peace and prosperity in the region, and reiterated the US’ commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Aquilino also expressed the US INDOPACOM’s readiness to support vaccine delivery in the Philippines.

The INDOPACOM is the largest of six geographic combatant commands of the US Armed Forces.

It is responsible for all US military activities in the Indo-Pacific region and is the implementing body of all joint activities under the PH-US Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board, including the Balikatan Exercises. (PNA)