PH, US discuss SCS, economic ties at Munich Security Conference

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with US State Secretary Marco Rubio in Germany during the Munich Security Conference.

Rubio expressed enthusiasm for building a more invested and enduring relationship between the US and the Philippines, reaffirming the US commitment to the United States-Philippines Alliance.

They discussed bilateral coordination on addressing China's destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and increasing economic cooperation in areas like infrastructure, critical minerals, information technology, and energy, including civil nuclear cooperation.

Manalo highlighted the importance of a strong and committed PH-US partnership in various areas to contribute to a more robust alliance.

The meeting also touched upon trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the US, and Japan.

Discussions occurred amidst a US foreign aid freeze affecting programs in the Philippines, with Manalo aiming to clarify its impact.