US Ready to Implement Enhanced Defense Cooperation Deal With Philippines

The United States is prepared to realize the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in joint remarks with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Filipino Secretary of Defense Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, the Philippine Supreme Court issued a ruling that the EDCA is constitutional. The agreement permits US troops, weapons, warships and airplanes to be stationed at Philippine military bases.

"To that end, we welcome the Philippine Supreme Court’s decision that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is consistent with the Philippine constitution," Kerry said.

He added that the United States looks forward to implementing the accord, "which will increase the interoperability of our armed forces and contribute to modernization and improve our joint capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies."

The United States and Philippines signed the EDCA in 2014. It is the first substantial military agreement between the two countries since the 1990s.

According to Washington, the EDCA is aimed primarily at promoting peace and security in the Philippines. The agreement also allows for the United States to respond better to environmental and humanitarian disasters in the region.