Philippines, US discuss WPS during courtesy call

The recent development in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was one of the bilateral and global issues raised during the courtesy call of United States Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland to Secretary Enrique Manalo, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

Nuland met with Manalo on March 6 during her one-day visit to the Philippines.

“The two officials underscored the importance of the PH-U.S. Alliance and partnership to promoting peace, stability, and resilience in the region,” the DFA said in a callout.

“Secretary Manalo and Ambassador Nuland exchanged views on recent developments in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, as well as other bilateral and global issues of mutual concern, with an eye towards identifying concrete measures that the two countries can pursue jointly, and together with other like-minded partners,” it added.

The DFA said the envoys also discussed the upcoming Defense and Foreign ministerial meetings (2+2) between the US and the Philippines next month. During the meeting, both countries also agreed “to expand the scope of the 2+2 to include broader security considerations, such as food security, energy, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and supply chains”.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News