Philippines, US reaffirm cooperation commitments in Washington talks

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo delivers a message at the East-West Center International Media Conference 2024 at the PICC in Manila on June 24, 2024. Fernando G. Sepe Jr., ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington D.C. Monday, June 9, to reaffirm the strategic alliance between the two nations, particularly in the spheres of both economy and security.

According to US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the two officials underscored the vital role of the US-Philippines alliance in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and addressing China's "destabilizing actions."

"Secretary Rubio and Secretary Manalo committed to deepening cooperation on addressing China's destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and to increasing economic cooperation to mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens," Bruce said in an official readout.

The high-level dialogue also highlighted growing defense collaboration, after a series of successful engagements in support of the Philippines capacity building efforts.

"The Secretaries reaffirmed the importance of continued defense and security cooperation, including through support for the Philippines' defense modernization efforts. They cited recent positive developments, including the Joint Vision Statement of the Philippine and U.S. Defense Secretaries on building our defense industrial cooperation, U.S. offers of foreign military sales to meet Philippine needs, and the conduct of the latest Balikatan exercises," the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

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The two countries also discussed plans for trilateral coordination with other regional partners, particularly Japan.

"The two leaders also committed to exploring new opportunities for cooperation with regional allies and partners, including trilaterally with Japan through the Luzon Economic Corridor," Bruce further continued.

The two officials also pledged to expand economic cooperation that would mutually benefit both Filipino and American citizens.

"The Secretaries looked forward to the positive conclusion of high-level talks between Philippine and U.S. economic managers on the U.S.'s reciprocal tariffs. They also underscored the importance of stronger economic relations in building a more enduring Philippines-U.S. alliance, and promoting overall security," the DFA added.

The talks are part of Manalo's broader diplomatic mission to the United States, which also includes meetings at the United Nations in New York and participation in Philippine Independence Day celebrations.

Manalo is scheduled to meet United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on June 11, where he intends to reaffirm the Philippines' commitment to remain actively engaged with the UN and its member states and work for global action on pressing global challenges, emphasizing enforcement of the UN Charter as the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.