The Philippines is the United States’ oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific. “Our relationship is based on the shared interests and values of Americans and Filipinos, including our abiding commitment to democracy,” declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the recent U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial.
Our security alliance is an enduring source of strength for both of our nations, he said:
“We focused on ways to continue our close partnership under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement so that our forces can work even more closely together, including to provide humanitarian assistance and respond to disasters. Secretary Austin and I also reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to standing with the Philippines against any intimidation or coercion, including in the South China Sea, and to preserving a region that’s governed by international law where goods and ideas and people can move freely.”
“We also discussed deepening our robust economic ties, including through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity,” or IPEF, said Secretary Blinken:
“We’re working closely with other IPEF partners to build out this framework to help our economies grow faster and fairer so that all our people can reach their full potential, lead on issues shaping the 21st-century economy, and do it in a way that is sustainable for our planet.”
Both countries are working together to combat the climate crisis and strengthen energy security. The United States is committed to helping the Philippines reach its ambitious goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030. The U.S. is also providing technical assistance and regulatory guidance to support the growth of the Philippines’ civil nuclear energy program.
Many nations, including the Philippines, have been impacted by food shortages. The United States is helping to deliver solutions to this challenge, explained Secretary Blinken:
“Philippines-based companies, with the support of the United States Government and the American private sector, are making impressive progress in developing climate-smart food systems, increasing their productivity, and the sustainability of their supply chains.”
“Across all of these areas and more, the United States values and is proud of our robust and deepening partnership with the Philippines,” said Secretary Blinken. The United States looks forward to making the U.S.-Philippines relationship stronger in the years ahead.
