Harris' visit will give PH 'opportunity to further strengthen engagement with US' — DFA
US Vice President Kamala Harris' upcoming visit to Manila will give the Philippines the opportunity to further enhance ties between the Western giant and the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the department is now working with the US Embassy in Manila to finalize arrangements for Harris' trip as it is looking forward to welcoming her in the country.
Harris will be accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, the DFA added. It will be the second time for Emhoff to visit the Philippines this year.
Weakened over the last six years, relations between the US and the Philippines have now improved under President Ferdinand Marcos' administration. Among areas of partnership that have improved is the reaffirmation of the US to invoke its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, its military partnership with the Philippines that was threatened to be scrapped by President Rodrigo Duterte.
"This will be yet another excellent opportunity to further strengthen our engagement with the United States, following the recent high-level meetings and exchange of visits between our two countries," Daza said in a statement.
"We will share further details as soon as possible," she added.
On Oct. 28 (US time), US Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Harris will fly to Manila after her visit to Bangkok, Thailand to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting on November 18 to 19.
After US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken, Harris will now be the highest American official to visit the country since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed his post.