By Brian Jules Campued
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III on Tuesday told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the Philippines and the US are more than just allies but also family.
“I’ve said a number of times that we’re more than allies, we’re family, and it always feels that way when, you know, I’m working with our colleagues,” Austin said during a joint courtesy call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to President Marcos at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.
Noting that the two countries share common interests and values, Austin said he is looking forward to continuing to work with Marcos and his administration to strengthen their alliance.
Meanwhile, Blinken extended his gratitude to the Philippine President for a warm welcome as he also shared the greetings of U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Blinken also described the two countries’ Foreign and Defense 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue as “genuinely historic,” as it was the first time it was held in Manila.
“It’s, I think, really evidence of a steady drumbeat, a very high-level engagement between our countries that are covering the full range of issues and opportunities that bring us together, not only security but also economic, and we’re truly grateful for this partnership,” he said.
Marcos, likewise, hailed the alliance of the Philippines and the U.S. in addressing the issues involving the West Philippine Sea and the Indo-Pacific Region.
“I’m always very happy that these communication lines are very open so that all the things that we are doing together, in terms of our alliance, in terms of the specific context of our situation here in the West Philippine Sea and in the Indo-Pacific, are continuously examined and re-examined so we are agile in terms of our responses,” Marcos said.
“We are very happy to see you once again. I’m a bit surprised considering how interesting your political situation has become back in the States, but I’m glad that you found the time to come and visit with us,” he added. – iro