PH, US to pursue alliance for 'prosperity,' vow to fight emerging threats
The Philippines and the United States have agreed to pursue various areas of partnership to bring prosperity to Filipinos and Americans as well as prepare for emerging threats, such as at the sea and on the maritime landscape.
This came as the Philippines hosted the two-day 10th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD), involving the defense and foreign affairs officials of both countries.
In a joint statement, the Philippines and the US expressed their determination to pursue the following:
• Cultivate a stronger partnership
• Cement an enduring alliance
• Promote an international law-based maritime order
• Prepare for emerging threats, and
• Advance common prosperity and protect the planet
Both countries noted the importance of sustained dialogue, so they renewed their commitment to hold the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue format, convene more regularly to talk about trade and investment as well as strengthen consular services for the benefit of the Filipinos and Americans.
The Philippines and the US also aimed to implement the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and expedite the completion of projects in its agreed locations.
"Reiterating the importance of maintaining and promoting an international law-based maritime order in the South China Sea... the Philippines and United States plan to convene this year the 2nd Maritime Dialogue, which will build on the outcomes of the inaugural Dialogue held in Manila in April 2022," the joint statement read.
Countering cyber threats is also a priority for the two countries, just like human rights.
In advancing prosperity and protecting the planet, both sides stressed the need to ensure that the partnership works for the benefit of the future generations. So, the Philippines and the US committed to prioritize efforts to lay the groundwork for civil nuclear energy cooperation, including close coordination throughout the 123 Agreement negotiation process.
First held in 2011, the BSD serves as the main annual platform for the two countries to discuss the full range of political, security, and economic cooperation, exchange views on current challenges and strategic priorities, and identify new collaborative initiatives at the working group and senior officials’ levels.