MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) — United States Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris will be meeting with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri on Wednesday.
This was confirmed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato, who said that it will be the first meeting between the two military commanders, adding that Harris will be accorded full military honors during his visit at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The US commander’s visit comes in the wake of growing American concerns over ongoing Chinese reclamation and construction activities at the West Philippine Sea.
Detoyato said that Harris and Iriberri will “discuss important matters” but did not give specifics.
When asked about the US official’s pending visit to the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Detoyato replied: “He will be going to Palawan but the particular topic is just bilateral security concerns.”
The AFP public affairs office chief stressed that the visit is also official in nature as Harris also intends to visit other Filipino government officials and discuss bilateral security concerns with the Philippines. (PNA)