PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo met with representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) July 9, to reaffirm the steadfast and enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance.

During his introductory visit to Philippines, Paparo met with AFP Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Erickson Roque Gloria and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Rear Adm. Adeluis Bordado to discuss the importance of the two countries’ bilateral relationship in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Filipino and American forces regularly participate in bilateral and multilateral exercises, including the 36th iteration of Balikatan Exercise in April.

The visit to the Philippines underscored Paparo’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.