US, Philippines Set to Discuss Defense Cooperation Deal During APEC Summit

The stalled Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is scheduled to be discussed during the bilateral meeting between Philippines' President Benigno Aquino and US President Barack Obama during the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, the APEC spokesman said Friday.

MANILA (Sputnik) – Last year, shortly before US President Obama's visit to Manila, the United States and the Philippines' defense officials signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which has become the first substantial military agreement between the two countries since the 1990s.

"[The deal] will be discussed during the bilateral meetings between the two leaders," Charles Jose told reporters.

According to Washington, the security deal 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.

The constitutionality of the agreement has been challenged in the Supreme Court, while the Senate has adopted a resolution declaring the deal invalid without its concurrence.

The Philippines hosts this year's APEC. Since Thursday, the APEC summit has been underway in Manila, bringing together 21 Pacific Rim member economies. A number of bilateral meetings has also been planned.

The APEC forum was founded in 1989 to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The bloc includes Russia, the United States, China, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Brunei