STRENGTHENING of Philippine-American alliance and the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are among the top items to be discussed in the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Manila.
This was disclosed during a phone call between United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo.
Blinken also expressed condolences for the lives lost and the displacement caused by Typhoon Gaemi and recent monsoon-related flooding in the Philippines. He said the US is prepared to provide assistance to the victims.
Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink announced that the US hoped to build on the success and momentum of the recent 2+2 dialogue of Japan and the Philippines, reaffirming the critical importance of the U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea, and the U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral cooperation.
“Together the four officials will reaffirm the critical importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance in addressing a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, and continue to build on the momentum of U.S.-Japan-ROK and U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral cooperation,” Kritenbrink announced.
“The officials will reaffirm our nations’ shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and support for adherence to international law in maritime domains. They will discuss ways to deepen coordination on shared challenges, including in the South China Sea, while also advancing our critically important bilateral economic agenda,” Kritenbrink added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Philippines, U.S. to discuss ways in strengthening coordination at upcoming 2+2 dialogue
