PH, US vow to harness ties for regional peace, dev’t – DFA

DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States are committed to strengthening ties for regional peace and development, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

At the US Independence Day reception in Taguig City on July 2, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro cited the “significant progress” the Philippines and the US cooperation have achieved in the past two years.

“The increasing frequency and scope of our engagement signal our unwavering commitment to harnessing our partnership for peace and development, not only within our respective countries but also in the broader region,” she said.

Lazaro made the statement as the two nations witness renewed vigor in their defense and economic ties under the Marcos and Biden administrations.

In her speech, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reiterated that Washington DC has an “ironclad commitment” to its alliance with Manila.

“Together with our partners, we remain unwavering in our commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, and to the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law,” she said.

“US-Philippines commercial and economic ties are booming,” she added.

Over the past year alone, US President Joe Biden’s Trade and Investment Mission visited the Philippines and resulted in more than USD1 billion in investments and partnerships.

On top of this, Manila has expanded its cooperation with the US to include like-minded states, such as Japan.

In April, the three states held the historic trilateral leaders’ summit and launched the Luzon Economic Corridor, the latest economic initiative under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment covering Subic, Manila, and Batangas ports.

In the coming months, the US and the Philippines are also set to convene the 2+2 defense and foreign affairs ministerial meeting.