PH, US 2+2 ministerial meeting set July 30 in Manila

Manila will host the fourth Philippines-US 2+2 joint ministerial meeting on July 30, with top defense and foreign officials from both nations.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will meet with their US counterparts, US State Secretary Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III.

The meeting aims to strengthen the Philippines-US alliance, reaffirm their shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and support international law.

Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing economic ties, addressing regional and global security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea, and advancing the bilateral economic agenda.

Both sides are expected to discuss the conclusion before yearend of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which will enable real-time information-sharing and technology cooperation.

The US welcomed the announcement of a provisional arrangement between the Philippines and China for resupply missions to Filipino troops at Second Thomas Shoal.