MANILA— The United States has reaffirmed its security commitment to the Philippines, describing their longstanding alliance as stronger than ever as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

In a statement to the Filipino people, US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said Washington would continue supporting Manila in defending its sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and upholding freedom of navigation.

“Our commitment to Philippine security is ironclad,” Lipton said, citing the partnership between the administration of US President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He said the alliance was built on shared principles, mutual respect, and a common commitment to regional stability.

Lipton made the statement following US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s visit to Cebu for the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which he described as a demonstration of Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with Southeast Asian partners.

He said Hegseth’s engagements with regional counterparts reflected the Trump administration’s efforts to reinforce alliances, expand regional cooperation, and maintain peace through strength.

The ambassador cited the two countries’ annual joint military exercises and training activities, US security assistance amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, expanded maritime cooperative activities, and cooperation in disaster response and public health.

He also highlighted regular engagements between senior defense and security officials as evidence of the long-term nature of the partnership.

“As we mark 75 years of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, our message is clear: our alliance is stronger than ever,” Lipton said.

Beyond defense cooperation, the US envoy emphasized the importance of strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

He said Washington supports the Philippines’ economic development and considers reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade essential to achieving shared prosperity.

Lipton described the relationship between the two countries as more than a strategic partnership or a series of agreements, saying it also reflects the growing ties between their peoples.

“The United States is proud to call the Philippines an ally, partner, and friend,” he said.