Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo in Washington, D.C. The discussion focused on reinforcing the U.S.-Philippines Alliance's role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
According to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, "Secretary Rubio and Secretary Manalo committed to deepening cooperation on addressing China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and to increasing economic cooperation to mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens."
The two leaders also agreed to explore new opportunities for collaboration with regional allies and partners. This includes potential trilateral cooperation with Japan through the Luzon Economic Corridor.
