DFA, DND chiefs to meet with US counterparts

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will meet their US counterparts today in Washington for the second 2+2 Philippines-US Ministerial Meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The DFA said Del Rosario and Gazmin are expected to discuss with US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter a range of bilateral issues including defense and security cooperation and significant developments in the economic engagement of the two countries. 

The agenda will also cover regional and global issues that impact on both countries, in particular, the recent developments in the South China Sea, the upcoming Special Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN)-US Summit in California, and cooperation on climate change.

Following the visit of President Barack Obama in Manila last November, the Philippines and the United States reaffirmed the enduring strength of the bilateral alliance.

The two governments are also committed to further enhance the historic friendship to better serve their respective national interests.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Phl-US diplomatic relations. 

Del Rosario is expected to thank Kerry for the continued assistance of the US to Philippine defense modernization and support to Philippine efforts to promote inclusive growth.

The Philippines has been selected for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and has expressed interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.