Palace welcomes outcome of PHL-US dialogue on bilateral relations

From InterAksyon (Mar 9): Palace welcomes outcome of PHL-US dialogue on bilateral relations

The outcome of the 4th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) held from March 6 to 7 in Washington, D.C. was welcomed by Malacanang Saturday.

The dialogue reaffirmed the two countries’ close consultation and exchange of views on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

It was co-chaired by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Evan Garcia and Undersecretary of National Defense Pio Lorenzo F. Batino for the Philippines.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Russel and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Kelly Magsamen co-chaired for the United States.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text message to reporters covering the Palace that the result of the dialogue further strengthened the bilateral relations of both countries.

“The outcome of the dialogue affirms the principles underpinning the strategic partnership between the two countries and bodes well on the further strengthening of bilateral relations,” Coloma said.

According to a media note from the U.S. Department of State website, during the dialogue, the United States reiterated its sympathies over the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) in the Philippines last November.

The Philippines, on the other hand, expressed its deep appreciation for the assistance given by the U.S. in the aftermath of the storm.

Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, discussed actions that would further invigorate and expand their partnership in the spirit of the November 2011 Manila Declaration, and decided to expand cooperation in the areas of maritime domain awareness, disaster response preparedness, law enforcement, and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

They welcomed the current negotiations on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and expressed optimism for a successful conclusion.

Concern over recent developments in the South China Sea was also expressed by both countries, where the importance of upholding peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce, and freedom of navigation and overflight was raised.

Many other topics were brought up during the dialogue, including the U.S. assistance under the Global Security Contingency Fund, which focuses on Philippine maritime security, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism training and capacity building, support for the United Nations peacekeeping operations, among other topics.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82275/palace-welcomes-outcome-of-phl-us-dialogue-on-bilateral-relations