US-PH ALLIANCE DISCUSSED BY MANALO, SECRETARY OF STATE RUBIO

Manila Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo have spoken with the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the first conversation between the Department of Foreign Affairs and their American counterpart under the administration of US President Donald Trump.

In Manalo’s X post, he confirmed that he had a conversation with Rubio, and the secretary conveyed his greetings to his US counterpart.

The two diplomats discussed the important alliance between the Philippines and America in maintaining prosperity and security in the Indo Pacific Region.

Manalo said the strengthening of bilateral economic relations and people-to-people ties were also discussed.

“We discussed the importance of the PH-US alliance for the prosperity and security of the Indo Pacific, and the strength of our bilateral political economic and people-to-people ties,” Manalo said in host post.

The two secretaries are looking forward to work with each other to address the challenges and maintain the momentum and positive development of the bilateral relations of both countries.

This includes strengthening the agreements between Manila and Washington when it comes to defense and security.

“We look forward to working with Secretary Rubio and his team towards addressing challenges and sustaining the momentum and positive trajectory in our bilateral relations,” Manalo added.

Trump appointed Senator Rubio as US Secretary of State on January 20th in place of Anthony Blinken. In Rubio’s statement, he expressed concern over China’s activities in the South China Sea.

According to Rubio, the People’s Republic of China does not recognize peace and stability in the region.

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