The United States (US) has affirmed its support to the Philippines against armed attacks whether on armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific as it continues to be US' "crucial ally" in the region, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed Monday, Dec. 13.
According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., this was conveyed by the US during his meeting with US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland on Dec. 11 at the sidelines of the G7 Ministerial Meetings in Liverpool, United Kingdom held on Dec. 10 to 12.
During the meeting, both sides affirmed to maintain their long-standing ties, especially in defense-related areas, and are aiming high-level meetings in the first half of 2022.
According to the DFA, the meeting is part of the two countries’ enhanced and sustained bilateral engagement in pursuit of their common national security objectives and post-pandemic recovery agenda.
“I was very pleased with their firm assurances that the United States continues to regard the Philippines as a crucial ally in the region, and that it stands ready to support the Philippines, including against armed attacks on our armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific,” Locsin said.
Nuland, on the other hand, stated, "We are proud to stand with you and we are very proud to see how you stood for international law."
The DFA also said that "building on the series of visits by PH and U.S. officials this year including the most recent Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, the two officials discussed next steps for strengthening the PH-U.S. alliance, as well as cooperation within the context of ASEAN and the UN to address current and emerging challenges."
It was also disclosed that Locsin and Nuland "touched on preparations for the Special U.S.-ASEAN Summit that the U.S. is proposing to host in January."
They discussed arrangements for other high-level visits and meetings expected to take place in the first half of 2022, including the Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue that was previously agreed upon by the respective Defense and Foreign secretaries.
Locsin also invited the US to support the United Nations (UN) Joint Program on Human Rights noting that its contribution would be “an expression of your support to a long-standing ally and to our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.”
He also expressed gratitude for the close to 20 million donated doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines that the Philippines received from the US so far, through the COVAX Facility.
The Philippine top diplomat also sought the United States’ continued support for the Philippines as it administers booster shots for its population, as well as in the country's efforts to build its capacity for local vaccine development, manufacturing and distribution.
This year, the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their formal diplomatic relations and the 70th year since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).