VP Harris in Manila to boost PH-US security ties

• Published date: 20 November 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Manila Sunday night for a series of engagements, including a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte as well as a trip to Palawan.

Harris was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay Rep. Antonino Calixto, US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson and Duterte's spokesperson Reynold Munsaya at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

According to a senior US administration official, Harris' meetings with Marcos and Duterte will focus on strengthening the Philippine-US security alliance and economic relationship.

She will reaffirm US defense commitments to the Philippines and the importance of their alliance in peace and stability in the South China Sea.

'They will discuss upholding international rules and norms,' the US official said in a background press call published on the official website of The White House.

Harris will also commit to work more closely with the Philippines to strengthen the two country's economic partnership and investment ties.

'We anticipate there will be deliverables and new initiatives on this front, as well, related to the digital economy and upskilling and accelerating the transition to clean energy,' the US official added.

On Monday, Harris will meet with civil society activists as part of their continued support for human rights and democratic resilience.

She will also participate in a moderated conversation or town hall with an audience of young Filipino women.

Harris will likewise travel to...