United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to visit the Philippines next week to strengthen alliances and partnerships, as well as participate in a series of bilateral meetings.

According to Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, this will be Hegseth’s first official visit to the region since his appointment during the Trump administration.

“He will travel to the Philippines, where he will advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces,” he said.

Before traveling to the Philippines, Hegseth will first visit Hawaii to meet with senior US military and civilian leadership. He will then proceed to Guam to tour military facilities and receive capabilities briefs.

Following his meetings with Philippine officials, the US Defense Secretary will go to Japan to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and later meet with Japanese leaders and US military forces.

“Secretary Hegseth's trip comes as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security,” Parnell noted.

“These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.

Hegseth’s visit comes ahead of the annual Balikatan exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military.