Phl, US discuss reinforcing cooperation

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke yesterday with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo about the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea as the two top diplomats exchanged ideas on how to reinforce bilateral cooperation in the coming year.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

"Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo about issues of mutual concern, including ongoing tensions in the South China Sea," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"Secretary Blinken underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said “Secretary Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ abiding interest to protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, while maintaining peace and security and upholding the international rules-based order.”

Manalo emphasized the importance of open lines of communication and dialogue with other parties in pursuit of these objectives.

“Secretary Manalo and Secretary Blinken acknowledged the robust Philippines-United States alliance and bilateral relations, as well as discussed important opportunities for further strengthening cooperation in 2024,” the DFA said.

The phone call between Blinken and Manalo was held days after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the Philippines to “act with caution.”