WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 — Defense Secretary Ash Carter yesterday called Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to congratulate him on his new position and reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a readout of the call.

The two leaders also discussed the upcoming United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea and agreed to consult closely as the ruling is announced, the press secretary said.

Carter invited Lorenzana to visit Washington early in his tenure to discuss ways to continue to deepen and enhance defense cooperation, Cook added.