Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo to discuss the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Manila.
According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, "Secretary Blinken and Foreign Secretary Manalo reiterated the importance of the United States-Philippines Alliance and spoke about shared priorities both in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world." Additionally, Secretary Blinken expressed condolences for those in the Philippines affected by Typhoon Gaemi and recent monsoon-related flooding. He emphasized that the United States is prepared to offer assistance.
