Philippine Foreign Minister: Philippines and U.S. Engaging in Defense Cooperation Talks
Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Larazo told TASS that the Philippines and the United States are currently engaged in consultations on defense cooperation, with President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Manila expected to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Responding to questions about the significance of Trump’s visit, Larazo said: “We are discussing cooperation in the defense sector as well as individual trade issues.”
The official confirmed that Manila has received formal notification of the U.S. president’s attendance at the ASEAN Summit. She noted that the visit would provide an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm a range of existing agreements.
When asked about U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s proposal to establish a practical framework for U.S.-ASEAN defense cooperation over the coming years, Larazo stated that no formal response has yet been received on the initiative.
The ASEAN leaders and their partner country counterparts will convene in Manila from November 15 to 17. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to lead the Russian delegation at the East Asia Summit on November 17.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881837986716682/
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