Statement

of

HON. TEODORO L. LOCSIN JR.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

During the Joint Press Briefing with United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo

[Delivered on 01 March 2019 at the Department of Foreign Affairs Home Office in Pasay City]

Good morning.

I am pleased to welcome Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his delegation to the Philippines. We had a very productive meeting with frank exchanges on the future of the longest standing alliance in Asia, that between our two countries; on bilateral relations in a variety of fields; and on regional issues of security and economy.

We shared the view that the alliance must be able to ensure the unfailing mutual defense of our two countries; an arrangement that has contributed to regional peace, freedom, stability and prosperity since it was formalized. The key word is mutual; we have our end to hold up as well; and we need the means to do that from the United States. But ever and always there must be the sincere mutual desire to help and be helped. Some seek a review of the MDT. This requires further thought. In vagueness lies uncertainty: a deterrent. Specificity invites evasion and actions outside the MDT framework. But too much vagueness lends itself to doubt the firmness of commitments. For the time being, helping the Philippines build up our self-defense capacity should do it.

We discussed the vital support of the United States to the AFP’s Modernization Program; and hopefully to our campaign against all forms of criminality especially terrorism and its tight connection between illegal drug trade. Ideally mutual defense should cover a partner’s back as well as its front. Secretary Pompeo and I agreed that it was in both our countries’ interest to ensure that the alliance effectively address other non-traditional security issues such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and, above all, the fight against human trafficking.

I acknowledged the continued support of the United States to the Philippine Government’s counter-terrorism efforts, especially its vital role during the Marawi siege. We appreciate the assistance of the U.S. in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City.

We discussed our economic and people-people engagements. We both agreed to deepen and expand our bilateral economic relations, including pursuing negotiations for a future Free Trade Agreement.

I also took the opportunity to once again thank the U.S. for the return of the Balangiga Bells, making special note of Secretary Pompeo’s important role.

I thanked Secretary Pompeo for his firsthand account of the recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. I reiterated to him our support for President Trump’s tireless efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula and throughout Asia.

Finally, Secretary Pompeo and I committed to sustaining a continuous exchange of high-level visits between us. Thank you. END