(Eagle News) –US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte in the Palace on Thursday, July 29, making him the first member of US President Joe Biden’s Cabinet to do so.
In a statement, the Office of the President said Austin’s visit came as both nations celebrate 75-year-old diplomatic ties and the 70 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty.
The OP said President Duterte and Austin had an “open and frank discussion” on Philippine-US ties that lasted for an hour and 15 minutes.
During the meeting, President Duterte expressed appreciation for the U.S’ assistance in the country’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that the Philippines is among the beneficiaries of the COVAX Facility of which the US is the largest contributor.
According to the OP, the Philippines recently received more than three million vaccine doses under the facility.
The OP said Duterte and Austin agreed “that the alliance can be further strengthened through enhanced communication and greater cooperation, particularly in the areas of pandemic response, combatting transnational crimes, including the war on illegal drugs, maritime domain awareness, the rule of law, and trade and investments.”
The Palace said Duterte and Austin also discussed the status and “future” direction of the Philippines and the US’ engagement.
Austin, the OP said, said he has “great respect” for the Filipino people, and the US wants a “strong” relationship with the Philippines as an “equal sovereign partner.”
Austin relayed Biden’s greetings to President Duterte, who expressed his well wishes for his US counterpart in return.
Austin is in Manila from July 29 to 30 for an official visit.