Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso discussed with United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Heather Variava his maritime plans for the county when the diplomat visited him in his office on Monday, Sept. 27.
Variava paid a courtesy visit to Domagoso just days after the mayor announced his presidential bid in the 2022 national elections.
During their meeting, Domagoso expressed his intent to strengthen the country’s maritime relations with the United States if he wins the upcoming presidential race.
“I want to protect my country, our countrymen's interest, and prepare it for whatever is coming,” Domagoso said.
“With the help of your forces, we would be able to strengthen our maritime defenses here in the Philippines,” he told the envoy.
He said he also wants to boost the country's maritime relations with other countries.
Variava welcomed the plans of Domagoso. She is the first foreign envoy to visit the Manila mayor after the latter decided to run for president in next year’s polls.