By Michaela del Callar
MANILA, Jan. 21 (PNA) — The Philippines and United States on Wednesday hailed as “successful” its two-day strategic bilateral dialogue as both allies renewed its commitment to further bolster cooperation in various areas, particularly on trade, defense and security.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia said the 5th Philippines-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) in Manila reaffirmed the depth of the two nations’ partnership and its commitment to ensure that their alliance “remains responsive and flexible in addressing the realities of the 21st century.”
“The Philippines and the U.S. have a traditional friendship that is longstanding. We are strong allies,” Garcia said in his opening remarks.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Daniel Russel said this year’s dialogue once again underscored the enduring strength of the alliance between Manila and Washington.
“We see through the BSD important opportunities to make it stronger,” Russel said.
“The Philippines is an old friend and important partner and a great ally,” Russsel added, noting that the meeting is a very important vehicle for bolstering the two countries’ communication and coordination.
In his opening statement, Russel likewise reiterated President Barack Obama’s “rock solid commitment” to the Philippines and to Washington’s 54-year old Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila which obligates the US to come to the country’s defense in the event of an external armed attack.
Amid on ongoing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, Russel stressed that the dialogue is not aimed against any country.
“I would say very clearly that our alliance is not aimed against a third country,” he said. “Our alliance serve the cause of peace and stability.”
Garcia said the discussion between Philippine and US officials covered all aspects of its bilateral relations.
On the economic side, Garcia said they pledged to continue their joint endeavors to ensure that the momentum of Philippine economic development is maintained through various programs that would enhance its capabilities to pursue the kind of inclusive growth that it envisions.
There was also full exchange on defense and security, as well as regional developments, where both sides reviewed how to improve interoperability and exchanges between their respective defense establishments.
The Philippines and the US, Garcia noted, examined regional and international issues, such as the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The two sides, he said, reaffirmed “continuing concern over destabilizing activities that are contrary to Declaration on the Conduct of Party in the South China Sea, as well as international law.”
Other areas of discussion, Garcia said, include people to people exchange, cooperation against transnational crime, climate change and cybercrime.
“I would say the 5th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue has set the ground for continuing momentum to our bilateral partnership to be able to achieve the respective national priorities that we have as well the objectives of our alliance in maintaining the peace and stability of our region,” he said. (PNA)