United States Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman visited President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, June 9. They agreed to deepen the two countries' long-standing alliance.
Ahead of the transition to the new administration, Sherman met with Marcos and other outgoing and incoming government officials to affirm the US, a traditional ally of the Philippines, commitment in various areas of cooperation with the country.
According to the US Department of State, Sherman and Marcos agreed on the importance of strengthening the economies of both countries. Specifically discussed were possible public-private partnerships, clean energy and digital economy projects.
Marcos and Sherman discussed the importance of the US-Philippine alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.
They also discussed the importance of fostering respect for human rights and rule of law in the Philippines.
During Sherman's call on the President-elect, outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. discussed "concrete ways to further enhance the relations" amidst the transition to the new administration.
US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price said Sherman conveyed the US' gratitude for Locsin’s commitment and contributions to the alliance and the rules-based international order.
Price added they spoke about the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and also discussed the global ramifications of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Sherman also met with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, incoming Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro.
She is the highest ranking State Department official to visit the country since the pandemic.