Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro on Friday and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its alliance with Manila, as the two countries marked 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as treaty allies amid continuing security concerns in the South China Sea.
Rubio and Lazaro discussed “a range of bilateral economic and security priorities”, including the Philippines’ role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ongoing efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea, the Department of State said in a readout of the call.
“The Secretary reaffirmed the US commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address energy challenges in the region,” the readout added.
Rubio also “emphasised the strength of the United States-Philippines Alliance and continued close cooperation as the two countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as Allies in 2026”.
The meeting came less than a week after Rubio held a telephone conversation with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during which the two leaders discussed many of the same issues, including economic cooperation, regional security and the South China Sea.
According to a State Department readout issued on May 31, Rubio and Marcos discussed “a range of bilateral economic and security priorities, including efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea”.
Rubio also reaffirmed US support for the Luzon Economic Corridor and efforts to address regional energy challenges.
The diplomatic engagement coincides with growing Congressional recognition of the long-standing relationship between Washington and Manila.
Last week, members of the US House of Representatives introduced a resolution honouring the 80th anniversary of United States-Philippine relations.
The measure notes that since July 4, 1946, the two countries have maintained enduring diplomatic relations based on “mutual security and economic interests” and close people-to-people ties.
The resolution, among other things, highlights the contributions of Filipino Americans, noting that there are more than 4.6 million US citizens of Philippine ancestry in the United States and that nearly one in four working Filipino adults are frontline healthcare workers in the country.
It also recognises the service of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the US Armed Forces and reaffirms support for the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
The House measure further cites recent developments in bilateral ties, including expanded defence cooperation, growing trade links and the April 2024 trilateral summit involving the United States, Japan and the Philippines.
It notes that trade in goods and services between the two countries exceeded $36.9 billion in 2024.
The United States and the Philippines remain among each other’s most important security partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 forms the foundation of the alliance, which has expanded in recent years through enhanced military cooperation, joint exercises and new defence access arrangements.
(IANS)
