Senior government representatives from The U.S. and the Philippines met to assess the status of each country’s ongoing cooperative relationship. They identified future opportunities for collaborative projects, along with common priorities that could serve as a basis for mutual interest. Possible solutions were also assessed and considered for issues that may present themselves as obstacles to future collaboration among all relevant sectors.
Shared strategic vision and regional security commitments
The leaders emphasized that the region should be stable, resilient, and capable of sustaining economic development through joint actions for managing the evolving geopolitical and economic developments of the Indo-Pacific. The leaders also discussed ways of promoting diplomacy and the ability of effective policy coordination to promote enduring stability and mutual interests among states in the region.
Both parties expressed their shared vision of a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific based on international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In addition, they reiterated their mutual defense obligations under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which covers all forms of attack against either party’s armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels (including those of their respective coast guards) at any place in the Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.
They agreed to continue coordinating on regional and global challenges as well as developments in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and wider Indo-Pacific.
Defense cooperation, democracy, and economic engagement
The joint statement outlines additional steps that will be taken by each party to develop defense and security cooperation, specifically through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement. Each party has agreed to explore ways to enhance military interoperability with one another, to conduct joint military operations, and to engage in capacity building initiatives to increase deterrence and stability in the region. In addition, each party expressed a shared desire to continue working together to combat terrorism and to promote maritime security.
Democracy is the focus of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement
Beginning with senior officials, they have made a commitment to continue promoting democracy and the rule of law, reaffirming their common values for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, while collaborating to strengthen the institution of democracy and combat the challenges of disinformation and other challenges confronting democracies, as well as supporting good governance.
Senior officials discussed several areas of economic cooperation, stressing the significance of trade, investment, and sustainable development. They highlighted the need to develop critical infrastructure, ensure energy security, and create resilient supply chains to support these efforts.
Multilateral engagement and people-to-people ties
The U.S. and Philippine senior officials identified several areas where the two nations could work together, particularly on regional multilateralism, with the upcoming Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, and the possible opportunities that will be available during this period to collaborate on common regional priorities. The senior officials also expressed their continued support for an ASEAN-based international order founded upon the rule of law, and which contributes to peace, stability, and economic growth throughout the region.
Additionally, as stated in the Joint Statement related to the importance of people-to-people ties, education, cultural exchanges, and the engagement of diasporas are all seen as important to strengthening the ties between Americans and Filipinos. The senior officials recognized the potential for building connections between the American and Filipino peoples through educational programs, workforce development programs, and public diplomacy.
Overall, the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue has again confirmed the long-standing partnership of the Philippines and the United States, while at the same time reaffirming the commitment of both nations to pursue mutual interests. The two countries also reaffirmed their intention to increase cooperation, enhance regional partnerships, and create a safe, prosperous, and economically productive future for the region. This is occurring within the context of a wide array of significant global economic and political challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region today.
