Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario says the Supreme Court ruling on EDCA 'opens up new opportunities to further deepen our enduring alliance with the US'
PH-US 2+2. (L-R) Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Philippine Secretary of Defense Voltaire Gazmin and US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter pose for a photo opportunity before the second Philippines-US Two-plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue on January 12, 2016, at the US Department of State in Washington DC. Photo courtesy of the Philippine embassy in Washington DC
The
Philippine
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario made the statement after the 2nd
Philippines-US 2 plus 2 Ministerial Consultations at the US State Department in
Washington , DC ,
where he and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin met with their US
“The recent
validation by the Supreme Court of the constitutionality of the EDCA opens up
new opportunities to further deepen our enduring alliance with the US
EDCA is an
executive agreement that gives US troops, planes, and ships increased
rotational presence in Philippine military bases, and allows Washington
Proponents say
the deal aims to help build the capacity of the Philippine military, one of the
weakest in Asia, especially in the face of challenges posed by the country's
dispute with China in the
West Philippine Sea (South China Sea ).
Del Rosario said
that during the dialogue, which lasted for two hours and 15 minutes, the
officials "welcomed the renewed focus on the area of maritime security and
maritime domain awareness."
"In terms of
defense and security, we discussed concrete ways to leverage the alliance to
contribute to the stability and prosperity of our region," Del Rosario
said.
The officials
also reviewed "robust" bilateral cooperation on defense and security,
and on trade, investments, tourism, and development; and common challenges
posed by "violent extremism" and climate change," Del Rosario
said.
'Increasingly
intertwined security interests'
The dialogue,
convened months away from the 70th anniversary of the establishment of PH-US
bilateral ties, took place as tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea .
In his opening
remarks at the ministerial consultations, Del Rosario cited the
"tremendous progress" made by both countries in further revitalizing
their alliance since the first meeting in 2012.
"I believe
that our relations are truly at [their] best at this point. One factor behind
this is the conscious effort of our leaders to invest in our enduring
engagement. Another factor is the emergence of regional challenges that have
underscored the need for concerted effort to protect our common values,"
he said.
"Our defense
and security engagement has never been stronger nor more focused. Our
cooperation in the area of maritime security and maritime domain awareness
benefits not just for our mutual defense, but also contributes actively to
maintaining regional stability," Del Rosario added.
STRONGER ALLIANCE. (L-R) Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr listen to their US counterparts' remarks at the working lunch of the 2nd Philippines-US Two-plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue, on January 12, 2016, at the US Department of State in Washington DC. Photo courtesy of the Philippine embassy in Washington DC
In his opening remarks at the ministerial consultations, the Philippine defense chief noted the “increasingly intertwined” security interests of the Philippines and the US.
“While we grapple with non-traditional security concerns and natural and man-made disasters, traditional security challenges to include territorial and maritime disputes remain to be fundamental concerns. Given this strategic context, we should be in a position to address such common concerns, as well as contribute to regional peace and stability,” said Gazmin.
“It is timely for the Philippines and the US to focus on building a credible defense posture and enhancing interoperability for territorial defense, maritime security and maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he added.
Gazmin also noted that the Aquino administration has provided “unprecedented levels of funds” for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization, in pursuit of its mandate not only “to protect the State but also to fulfill our obligations as an ally and an active contributor to regional peace and stability.”
On the economic front, Del Rosario noted the resolution of issues hampering the growth of PH-US trade ties, such as the termination of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) labor review on the Philippines, the removal of the Philippines from the Special 301 Watchlist, and the reinstatement of the Philippines to US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Category 1 status.
"Moving forward, we remain in close consultations with the US on how the Philippines can accede to the Trans Pacific Partnership at the soonest possible time," the Philippine official said.
(READ: Aquino seeks Obama's help on Philippines' bid to join TPP)
Del Rosario also said the Philippine officials welcomed the 2nd Millennium Challenge Compact for the Philippines, “which will build on the success of the first compact which has contributed to poverty alleviation, inclusive growth, and elimination of corruption.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/118835-ph-prompt-mutually-beneficial-edca
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