Philippine and United States National Security Advisers discuss developments on the alliance of both countries in an introductory phone call on Friday.

According to a readout, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz of the United States "exchanged views on the regional security situation, particularly in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and future bilateral activities to further accelerate the progress in the alliance."

The two officials agreed to continue their discussion to include close coordination at the working level while Ano thanked Waltz for the continued assurances of the United States’ ironclad commitment to the Philippines.

"They also underscored the importance of engaging with other like-minded partners to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific," it stated.

It can be recalled that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro along with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez met Waltz at the White House early this year.

During their meeting Waltz expressed his appreciation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order in the region. Robina Asido/DMS