President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. welcomed United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Malacañang on Thursday.

During their meeting, Marcos emphasized that Hegseth’s inclusion of the Philippines in his first overseas trip is “a very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment” between the two countries, especially in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region within the South China Sea.

“I know the work that we will do in the time that you have here, brief as it is, in the Philippines will be extremely productive and very very important for us as we chart our way into the future, considering how complicated geopolitics has become,” he said.

For his part, Hegseth extended Trump’s regards to Marcos, highlighting his “fondness” to the Philippines.

“I had a chance to speak just a few minutes ago to our president, President Trump, who sends his regards to you as well, [he] thinks very fondly of this great country, is very committed to the alliance that we have, to the friendship that we have, the cooperation that we have,” he said.

“And he and I both want to express the ironclad commitment we have to the mutual defense treaty and to the partnership, economically, militarily, which our staffs have worked on diligently for weeks and weeks and months,” he added.

The U.S. defense chief also shared that he did some physical training with Filipino and American troops, emphasizing they are in “great shape.”

Hegseth added he will also engage with the Philippines’ Department of Defense and spend time with American soldiers in the country for “meaningful military-to-military cooperation.”

He underscored that peace through strength is important for countries, particularly in areas affected by geopolitics.

“Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the Communist Chinese and that friends need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there's free navigation,” Hegseth said.

“Whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has stand very firm in that location and in defense of your nation,” he added.

Marcos thanked Hegseth for his visit and the U.S.’ friendship towards the Philippines.

“Being a friend to the United States is something that is inherent with most Filipinos, considering the relationship that we have had over a hundred years in various forms. And you are our only treaty partner and continue to be the supporter for peace in this part of the world,” he said.

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