On a visit to bolster the United States ties with the Philippines on wide-ranging areas of cooperation, US Vice President Kamala Harris believes that the basis of the relationship of the two countries is “multifaceted.”

In a bilateral talk with President Marcos on Monday, Harris noted how the US and the Philippines are committed to the economic prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, to addressing the climate crisis and to the concerns about security in the region.

“And during the conversation that we have today, we will talk more about what that means in terms of opportunities that are presented,” she told the President.

Since both countries are members of the Indo-Pacific region that are concerned of the region’s security, Harris told Marcos the US will stand with the Philippines “in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea.”

She said an “armed attack on the Philippines, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments.”

“And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines,” she added.

Harris believed there are “many opportunities” that await the two countries to strengthen their ties, considering that the “basis of our relationship is based on mutual commitments to international rules and norms and upholding those international rules and norms” for prosperity.

“So again, I will reiterate that the alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a strong one and enduring one and only under your leadership continues to be strengthened,” she said.

“We look forward to working with you on many of these issues, and of course I bring you greetings from President Biden,” she added.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Joseph Pedrajas

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