MANILA, Philippines – US State Secretary Marco Rubio “noted his enthusiasm for building an even more invested and enduring relationship” in his first face-to-face meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, the US State Department said in a press statement on Saturday, February 15.
“Secretary Rubio not only reaffirmed US commitment to the United States-Philippines Alliance, but noted his enthusiasm for building an even more invested and enduring relationship,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The two, who had earlier conversed through a phone call, met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
According to Bruce, the two discussed “ongoing bilateral coordination on addressing China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea; and increasing economic cooperation on infrastructure, critical minerals, information technology, and energy, including through civil nuclear cooperation.”
Manalo posted his photo with Rubio on X early on Saturday, following their meeting, and said: “A great first in person meeting with @SecRubio at #MSC2025. A strong and committed PH-US partnership in various areas will contribute to a more robust alliance. We are committed to working together to further strengthen economic and security ties.”
The two held the meeting as China continued to oppose the Typhon missile system stationed in the Philippines
The Philippines has yet to release its readout on the meeting, although Manalo had earlier said in an interview that he intended to “seek clarification on what will be affected” in the US decision to hit pause on aid worldwide. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had also said that he would take up the issue with Trump in a future meeting, as well as his new policy on migrants which will affect may Filipinos in the US.
The US is the Philippines’ only treaty-ally. The two countries’ relationship runs deep — particularly when it comes to security, defense, and trade. – Rappler.com