The four-day 10th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Manila hosted by our Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense was very successful and productive, with discussions centering on various issues that are of mutual interest between the United States and the Philippines.
Aside from DFA Undersecretary Teresita Lazaro, with us in the Philippine delegation were DFA Assistant Secretary JV Chan-Gonzaga, DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon and Assistant Secretary Henry Robinson. Leading the delegation from the US for the BSD was Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink along with delegation co-chair Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford and of course our dear friend, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.
In November 2021, the 9th BSD hosted in Washington, DC was held with a very small delegation from both sides due to COVID-19. But despite that, the discussions were very substantial, with both delegations coming out with a “Joint Vision for a 21st Century United States-Philippines Partnership” that not only outlined several areas of cooperation aimed at boosting security and economic ties, but also took into consideration the current realities and challenges that both the Philippines and the United States may face.
During the 9th BSD, we agreed to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in light of the prevailing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the maritime areas of the Philippines.
An annual consultative mechanism that allows both nations to discuss the full range of political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the US, the BSD helps us envision the path that we want the partnership to take in order to navigate an evolving geopolitical landscape and deal with challenges that have been aggravated by the pandemic and the situation in Ukraine.
We’re pleased to note that the face-to-face discussions during the 10th BSD provided a great opportunity for both sides to talk about concrete ways by which the Philippines and the United States can further boost all other aspects of their bilateral relations. Defense matters were naturally discussed, but the dialogue also tackled economic concerns, people-to-people ties and other issues that also cut across regional and global levels.
As noted by Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink, the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic and fastest growing region in the world, and keeping it free and open is vital in ensuring that maritime trade remains peaceful, considering that the region is comprised of 40 economies, many of which are still trying to recover from the impact of the pandemic and the continuing war in Ukraine.
The region contains over 60 percent of the world’s total population and is projected to be the largest contributor to global growth over the next three decades, with 50 percent of the world’s gross domestic product by 2040. I agree with Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink that the future and prosperity of Indo-Pacific nations, including the United States, is “inextricably intertwined with the future of this important region.” In fact, the future of the whole world is also impacted by the Indo-Pacific, which is why it is important to keep it open and free in the decades to come.
I am aware that virtually all eyes – and that is not an exaggeration – are upon the US and the Philippines and the delegation members representing both nations, with critics and supporters alike closely watching and following what we will do together next.
Let me just reiterate that we maintain the great optimism through which we view our current relationship, along with high expectations on the outcome of our next courses of action. Let’s not forget, a great majority of Filipinos continue to see the US as the most trusted nation as underscored by several surveys. Filipinos likewise consider the alliance to be vital in helping maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
There is no doubt that our neighbors in the region, and the wider international community, are also closely watching how the relationship between the Philippines and the US is progressing, and how this could impact peace, security and prosperity particularly in our part of the world.
I am especially looking forward to convening the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting among our foreign and defense ministers in the spring where we expect to discuss strategies to bolster efforts in maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Since day one, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been intent on further exploring more areas of cooperation, especially in terms of trade and investments as underscored during President BBM’s in-person meeting with US President Joe Biden in New York last September.
In the past few months, we have been discussing with the White House a possible visit by President Marcos to Washington to further cement the ties between the longtime allies on various areas of mutual concern and interest. We hope to find a suitable schedule for both our leaders to meet this year.
In the weeks and months ahead, it is incumbent upon the officials and leaders from both nations to really deliver on what they are planning to do and reaffirm the commitment of the Philippines and the United States in solidifying and strengthening this partnership.
There is no doubt that there is a lot more work to be done in order to have concrete deliverables. But make no mistake: we are ready and eager to roll up our sleeves and do what must be done to enhance this relationship, friendship and alliance – ultimately for the benefit and interest of our peoples.
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