In a joint statement of the United States-Philippines Ministerial Dialogue, both countries reaffirmed commitment to strengthen alliance and enhance peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.
The joint statement between two countries stresses that the U.S.-Philippines alliance is stronger than ever, reflecting the deep and abiding ties linking two nations and forged through a history of shared sacrifice.
The statement underlines that when both countries signed the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951, both nations are united against the spread of communism.
The statement also highlighted that Americans and Filipinos are inextricably bound by common values and shared aspirations, including a commitment to democracy and the rule of law, building a robust economic partnership, and deepening people-to-people ties.
Meanwhile, in her remarks after her meeting with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, and Philippines Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the first ever 2+2 meeting between the United States and the Philippines at DC is a testament to their shared commitment to write a new chapter in the partnership between our two countries.
The consultations reportedly seek to address common strategic and security objectives, promote economic cooperation, advance people-to-people ties, and enshrine principles of good governance and the rule of law.
She notes that with the growing security and economic importance of the Asia Pacific, the United States is actively working to strengthen their alliances, build new partnerships, and engage more systematically in the region’s multilateral institutions.
“At the heart of this strategy is our effort to deepen and broaden our alliance with our friend and treaty ally, the Philippines.” -Ms. Clinton
The US-Philippines alliance is rooted not just in a deep history of shared democratic values but in a wide range of mutual concerns, she added.
Both countries have discussed bilateral military cooperation.
The US-Philippines alliance has helped keep both of countries secure for more than 60 years, and it has been a bulwark of peace and stability in Asia, Ms. Clinton highlighted
“Today the United States reaffirms our commitment and obligations under the mutual defense treaty.” -Ms. Clinton
Both countries also discussed steps they are taking to ensure that both countries are fully capable of addressing both the challenges and the opportunities posed in the region in the 21st century.
Both countries must need to continue working together to counter violent extremism, to work on addressing natural disasters, maritime security, and transnational crime, she added.
Both countries also discussed the evolving regional security situation.
“We both share deep concerns about the developments on the Korean Peninsula and events in the South China Sea, including recent tensions surrounding the Scarborough Shoal.” -Ms. Clinton
She pointed out that while the United States does not take sides on the competing sovereignty claims to land features in the South China Sea, but as a Pacific power, the United States and Philippines have a national interest in freedom of navigation, the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, and the unimpeded, lawful commerce across our sea lanes.
The United States supports a collaborative diplomatic process by all those involved for resolving the various disputes that they encounter, she stressed.
“We oppose the threat or use of force by any party to advance its claims.” -Ms. Clinton
She stresses that the United States will remain in close contact with its ally, the Philippines.
Finally, both parties also discussed the maturing economic relationship between our countries as well as their shared commitment to enhanced development, trade, and investment.
Two countries’ mutual defense treaty has provided for their common defense and helped to create cooperation between their countries, not only military cooperation but also political and economic, and not only between governments but most importantly between their people.
in November 2011, Secretary Clinton stood side-by-side with her Philippine counterpart Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario aboard the USS “Fitzgerald” in Manila Bay to sign the joint Manila Declaration, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
The Treaty remains the foundation of the bilateral relationship. The Manila Declaration also sets forth a shared vision for strategic, political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation between two nations.
The U.S. government is also working closely with the Philippines to reduce poverty and increase economic prosperity. The U.S. fully supports Philippine efforts to eradicate corruption, to open economic opportunity for all, and to invest in health and education.
