Manila, 11 May 2024(TDI): Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma kicked off his trip to the Philippines. The primary goal is to build progress on the initiative launched by President Joe Biden and Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, along with expanding the US-Philippine strategic dialogue, according to the State Department.
The Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma met with senior government officials of the Philippines, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, and hosted a dinner with Philippine US Exchange Program alumni, according to the State Department.
President Bongbong Marcos’s Visit
Before discussing the progress in initiatives, first shed light on the visit of the Philippian President to Washington. Recently, the President of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos visited Washington to boost the bilateral relations between the two states.
United States President Joe Biden reaffirmed ironclad support for the defense of the philippine, to strengthen the long-standing bilateral alliances, persuade people-to-people ties, guarantee investment in clean energy transition, address the climate crisis, and respect human rights, according to US officials.
At the end of the visit, both leaders announced new arrangements and initiatives to expand historical momentum in US-Philippine relations, including the launch of an open RAN 5G interoperability lab in Manila and the establishment of a labor working Group.
For inspection of these projects and initiatives, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma trip to the Philippines.
US-Philippines Strategic Dialogue
Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma met Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Año and discussed ways to enhance the steadfast alliance and deepen security cooperation across multiple fronts.
Two leaders negotiated the expansion of the US-Philippines strategic dialogue which is an annual platform for two counties to converse about the security of the philippine and the region, especially improvements in Balikatan exercise.
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On April 28, the United States and the Philippines concluded the largest-ever iteration of their flagship bilateral military exercise, Balikatan. Both countries also expanding cooperation among their coast guards to better address the challenges posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other unlawful maritime activities.
