SFA Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Reaffirm Strength of PH-US Alliance in 22 January Phonecall

MANILA 23 January 2025 - Secretary Enrique A. Manalo spoke last night with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to exchange views on a range of issues relating to PH-U.S. political, economic and people-to-people ties. They recognized the strong historic ties between the Philippines and the United States.

The two Secretaries discussed the state of defense and security cooperation between the two allies, including U.S. support for Philippine defense modernization. They also discussed the situation in the South China Sea. They reaffirmed the importance of continuing to strengthen economic engagements and achieving economic resilience.

The two Secretaries likewise noted the role of the trilateral cooperation with Japan not only in reinforcing regional security, but also in efforts to build stable supply chains in vital sectors and increase private investments.

Secretaries Manalo and Rubio agreed to explore a first meeting between Presidents Marcos and Trump in the near future. END