US Defense Secretary to visit PH next week

Metro Manila, Philippines - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Philippines and other “like-minded countries” next week to strengthen Washington's alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Philippines will be the secretary’s third stop after visiting Hawaii and Guam. He will travel to Japan after his stop in Manila.

"Hegseth's trip comes as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security," the Pentagon said in a statement on Saturday.

RELATED: US, PH strengthen civil nuclear partnership with education, technology investments 

According to the US office, Hegseth will “advance security objectives” with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces during his visit.