Duterte, Austin seek stronger PH-US ties

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte and United States (US) Defense Secretary Defense Lloyd Austin III agreed to strengthen the alliance between their countries through “enhanced communication and greater cooperation.”

During Austin’s courtesy call on Duterte in Malacañang yesterday, Malacañang said Duterte and Austin had an “open and frank” discussion on the status and future direction of Philippines-US engagement amid the commemoration of the 75th founding anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 70th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty.

“They agreed that the alliance can be further strengthened through enhanced communication and greater cooperation, particularly in the areas of pandemic response, combating transnational crimes, including the war on illegal drugs, maritime domain awareness, the rule of law, and trade and investments,” its statement read.

Duterte thanked the US government for helping the Philippines in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that his country is among the beneficiaries of the COVAX Facility where the US is the largest contributor.

For his part, Austin said he has “great respect” for the Filipino people and told the President that the US wants a “strong relationship” with the Philippines as an “equal sovereign partner.”

He likewise relayed President Joe Biden’s greetings to Duterte and the latter conveyed his well wishes for his US counterpart, according to the Palace.

Austin is in Manila until July 30 for an official visit and is also scheduled to meet Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)