US President Joe Biden welcomed on Monday Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Washington, DC.
A joint press release noted that US President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad alliance commitments to the Philippines, underscoring that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
The leaders recognize the remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the US-Philippines alliance.
President Biden and President Marcos welcome the historic momentum in US-Philippine relations, and resolve to continue expanding engagement and cooperation on all issues of common concern, the statement added.
In efforts to promote inclusive and broad-based prosperity, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, uphold international peace and stability, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, the United States and the Philippines will remain the closest of allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackle the emerging challenges of the twenty-first century. The leaders underscore their unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law.
The leaders support the right and ability of Filipino fisher folk to pursue their traditional livelihoods.
The leaders note the ruling of the 2016 arbitral tribunal, constituted pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They affirm the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of global security and prosperity.
The leaders convey support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, noting that the conflict has adversely affected food and energy security in the Indo-Pacific
Source: Kuwait News Agency