The United States government on Thursday (Friday in Manila) reaffirmed its enduring alliance with the Philippines, including its commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo conveyed this commitment when he met Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. in Washington D.C., US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said.
“Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Department of State today. The Secretary reaffirmed the enduring US-Philippines alliance, including commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951,” Palladino said.
The MDT, among others, emphasizes a mutual commitment to peacefully resolve international disputes, separately or jointly developing capacity to resist attack, and the need for consultation when the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of the United States or the Philippines is under threat of attack in the Pacific.
During the meeting between Pompeo and Locsin, they discussed ongoing efforts to address regional issues such as the South China Sea, North Korea, and counterterrorism.
The two officials also explored opportunities to increase people-to-people ties between the two countries, its longstanding commitment to human rights, and cooperation to strengthen the Philippines’ energy security.
Locsin’s office said he conveyed to Pompeo Manila’s appreciation for the return of the historic bells of Balangiga on Dec. 11.
The meeting between the two was a follow-up to their phone conversation last October shortly after Locsin assumed the post as the country’s top diplomat. (Roy C. Mabasa)