Manila, 6 August 2022 (TDI): The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken met with Philippine President, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo.
Meeting with Philippine President
The US Secretary of State and Philippine President discussed ways to strengthen their longstanding alliance with the Philippines.
Secretary Blinken said he looks forward to deepening their collaboration to advance freedom, prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific.
A pleasure to meet Philippine President @bongbongmarcos to discuss ways to strengthen our longstanding alliance with the Philippines. I look forward to deepening our collaboration to advance freedom, prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific. #USPHThrivingAt75 pic.twitter.com/rSjxD6mxJC
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 6, 2022
Secretary Blinken said that the alliance is strong and can grow even stronger, likewise, President Marcos acknowledged the “special relationship” between both countries.
Noteworthy, the US has a security pact with the Philippines. More to this, it has backed its former colony in rising heated disputes within the South China Sea with Beijing.
Meeting with Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs
In addition to his visit, Secretary Blinken had a meeting with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo.
The US Secretary highlighted that he also looks forward to working together with Secretary Manalo. Specifically to further strengthen the longstanding US-Philippine Alliance.
I had a great meeting today with my new counterpart @SecManalo. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Philippine Alliance. #USPHThrivingAt75 pic.twitter.com/bu7fEVDuXB
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 6, 2022
Meeting with Philippine civil society and entrepreneurs
Furthermore, Blinken also met with Philippine civil society who are “working tirelessly” to assist in fighting COVID-19.
Secretary Blinken commended the civil society for their efforts to increase vaccinations, raise awareness, and ensure broader healthcare coverage as both countries jointly confront this shared challenge.
Following the meeting with inspiring entrepreneurs, the US Secretary reaffirmed their commitment to helping the Philippines as it transitions to clean energy.
In addition, Blinken stated that the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) grant signing will enable the Philippines to explore more offshore wind power.
After meeting with inspiring entrepreneurs, I reaffirmed our commitment to help the Philippines as it transitions to clean energy. Today’s @USTDA grant signing will enable the Philippines to explore more offshore wind power. pic.twitter.com/QbPFStil7C
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 6, 2022
Notably, USTDA is an independent federal government agency creating US jobs through the export of US goods. Along with services for priority development projects in emerging economies.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken also met the staff and families from the US Embassy in the Philippines.
Therefore, he expressed gratitude for their tireless dedication and important work to advance their democracy, economic prosperity, as well as security priorities. Thus, in the Philippines and throughout the region.
