The defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States (US) will meet from 28-29 March.

In an ambush interview on Saturday in Taguig City, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said he is set to discuss with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth the strengthening of existing "bilateral partnerships and greater interoperability" between Manila and Washington.

“All I can say is — this visit, we’ll talk about enhancing our bilateral and multilateral partnerships further, greater interoperability, and of course, we also have to take a look at future programs that both governments will enter,” he said.

Teodoro did not provide further details on the other topics to be discussed.

"Let's wait for the meeting. All I can say is that we will talk about our existing partnerships, bilaterally and multilaterally, and how to move it forward,” he said.

Hegseth’s visit to the country next week marks the Philippines as his first destination on his first trip to Asia next week, followed by Japan.

According to Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, Hegseth would focus on advancing "security objectives" with Filipino leaders. He is also set to engage with both Philippine and US forces during his visit.

Parnell said Hegseth’s Philippine trip also signals Washington DC’s interest to build on “unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security.”

Before traveling to the Philippines and Japan, Hegseth will first visit Hawaii to meet with civilian and military leaders at the Indo-Pacific Command, followed by a tour of US military facilities in Guam and receive briefings on capabilities.