Statement on the Telephone Call between Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

MANILA, 09 April 2021 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. spoke today with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of working closely to enhance the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States that has stood strong for nearly 70 years, in light of the recent geopolitical developments and challenges in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

Secretary Locsin welcomed the assistance of the United States in the Philippines’ efforts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Secretaries expressed confidence and optimism in the future trajectory of the Philippines-United States bilateral cooperation as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.