Phl, US to hold strategic dialogue in Washington

WASHINGTON – The Philippines and the United States will hold their second bilateral strategic dialogue in Washington late this month as part of preparations for a ministerial meeting in the spring updating the military partnership of the two countries, officials said.

The two-day dialogue from Jan. 26 takes added significance in the light of competing claims for specks of land in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) between China and several littoral states including the Philippines that threaten to destabilize the region.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta from the US side will meet with Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Washington in March to look at the military underpinnings between the two countries.

The Philippines wants more modern hardware, particularly maritime assets, from the United States for external defense.

The first strategic dialogue held in Manila last year was described by Del Rosario as a “clear manifestation of both countries’ resolve to enhance relations.”

The US sees the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue as a forum to affirm its longstanding alliance and friendship with the Philippines, discuss current challenges, identify new areas for cooperation, and continue their work as equal partners.

The Philippine side to the Jan. 26 dialogue will be led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio.

Other members include Assistant Secretary for American affairs Patty Paez and Defense Undersecretary Pio Batino.