Harris visiting Phl, Palawan
United States Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the Philippines next week to hold separate talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and her counterpart Vice President Sara Duterte, to further enhance the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Upon her arrival in the country on Sunday night, Harris will start her week with a meeting with Duterte, followed by a longer bilateral meeting with Marcos, a senior US administration official told reporters on Wednesday.
“The focus with President Marcos will be two-fold: strengthening our security alliance and economic relationship,” the official said.
Harris is expected to reaffirm the US-Philippines alliance, as well as their defense commitments to the Philippines and the importance of our alliance in peace and stability in the South China Sea.
“They will discuss upholding international rules and norms. The Vice President will also commit to working more closely with the Philippines to strengthen our economic partnership and investment ties,” he said.
“We anticipate there will be deliverables and new initiatives on this front, as well, related to the digital economy and upskilling and accelerating the transition to clean energy,” he added.
Later on Monday, Harris will also meet with different civil society activists, demonstrating the US’ commitment and continued support for human rights and democratic resilience.
She will also participate in a moderated conversation with young Filipino women about “Empowering Women and Girls.”
Harris’ participation in a town hall meeting with young Filipino women is the first of its kind since she assumed office last year, according to the official.
On her second day in the Philippines, she will make another history by flying to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, the nearest province in the South China Sea.
“This visit demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to stand with our Philippine ally in upholding the rules-based international maritime order in the South
China Sea, supporting maritime livelihoods, and countering illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing,” the US official said.
Part of her engagements on the island would be meeting with the Philippines Coast Guard, and underscoring the importance of international law, unimpeded commerce, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, as well as having discussions with the residents of Palawan.
“Finally, on Palawan, let me also note that the Vice President feels very strongly about getting outside of government buildings and engaging directly with people who often don’t get to interact with high-ranking US officials,” the US official said.
He added: “Leaving the capital city and going to Palawan and visiting communities there will do just that. And it’s a prime example of the way the Vice President seeks to engage on the world stage.”