United States (US) Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited the Philippines on Thursday, June 9, and met with President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to discuss strengthening the US-Philippines alliance.
Sherman is the highest ranking US official that visited the country to have a meeting with the incoming Philippines president.
According to US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, the discussion highlighted the importance of the country’s partnership with the US for the economy, security, prosperity and human rights.
“The President-elect and Deputy Secretary agreed on the importance of partnering together to strengthen our economies, including the importance of public-private partnerships, clean energy and our digital economy,” Price said.
“The Deputy Secretary and the President-Elect highlighted the importance of the US-Philippine Alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world and the importance of fostering respect for human rights and rule of law in the Philippines,” Price added.
The US also reiterated its support to the country when it comes to the West Philippine Sea, particularly on the unilateral seasonal fishing ban declared by China in the area.
After the meeting, Sherman said in her tweet that she is honored to meet Marcos. – Report from Mark Fetalco/ML-ag
