US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro to reaffirm the alliance between Washington and Manila, marking 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as treaty allies. Discussions included bilateral economic and security priorities, focusing on the Philippines’ role in ASEAN and efforts to enhance peace and security in the South China Sea. Rubio emphasized US commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and addressing energy challenges in the region.
The meeting followed a recent phone call between Rubio and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where they discussed economic cooperation, regional security, and the South China Sea. Congressional recognition of the US-Philippines relationship has been growing, with a resolution introduced in the US House of Representatives honoring the 80th anniversary of their relations. The resolution highlights the enduring diplomatic ties based on mutual interests and people-to-people connections, acknowledging the contributions of Filipino Americans in various sectors.
The resolution also underscores recent developments in the bilateral relationship, such as expanded defense cooperation, increased trade links, and the trilateral summit involving the US, Japan, and the Philippines in April 2024. Trade between the two countries exceeded $36.9 billion in 2024, emphasizing their importance as security partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 forms the basis of their alliance, which has seen growth through enhanced military collaboration, joint exercises, and new defense access agreements.
