Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 3) — United States Vice President Kamala Harris said the relations between the Philippines and the US are “stronger than ever” when she met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday evening (Manila time).
“I want to thank you because the strength of the alliance between the United States and the Philippines is probably stronger than ever,” Harris said when she welcomed Marcos and his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos to her official residence at the Number One Observatory Circle in the US Naval Observatory.
She also said that under Marcos’ leadership, the US and the Philippines were able to work on strengthening their “mutual prosperity and security.”
Harris hosted a brunch where the leaders discussed ways on boosting the US-PH alliance, both on the economy and security front.
The US vice president then recalled her visit to the Philippines in November 2022 when she reiterated both countries’ commitment to pushing for a clean energy economy, food security, and digital inclusion. She also reaffirmed the United States’ promise to stand by the Philippines amid tensions in the contested waters.
“And on the issue of security, of course, the work that our countries are doing together as it relates to the South China Sea, as it relates to what we must do in terms of continuing to work together through our coast guards,” she added.
Marcos, on the other hand, said the country’s friendship with the US is on the “upside” after going through various cycles.
“I was telling (State) Secretary (Antony) Blinken yesterday that, like any friendship, they go through — you go through many cycles. And I think this is an upside in that cycle,” the Philippine president said.
Marcos had also a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday, where the latter said that he sees no better partner than the Philippine president.
