President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in a courtesy call in Malacañang on Thursday, July 29.
President Duterte and Secretary Austin had an open and frank discussion on the status and future direction of Philippines-U.S. engagement as the two countries commemorate this year the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and 70th Anniversary of the Philippines-U.S. 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.
The President expressed appreciation for the U.S.’ assistance in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the Philippines is among the beneficiaries of the COVAX facility where the U.S. is the largest contributor. The Philippines recently received more than 3 million vaccine doses under this facility.
Secretary Austin, for his part, stated that he has great respect for the Filipino people and that the U.S. wants a strong relationship with the Philippines as an equal sovereign partner.
Secretary Austin relayed President Joe Biden’s greetings to the President and the President conveyed his well wishes for his U.S. counterpart.
Secretary Austin is in Manila on official visit from 29-30 July 2021. He is also scheduled to meet with Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.
The courtesy call, held upon the request of the U.S. Embassy, lasted for 75 minutes and was the first to be made by a Cabinet Secretary of the Biden administration. (OPS) -rir
