Top American diplomat says the United States remains strong ally of the Philippines, despite the tirades of President Rodrigo Duterte.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel said remains a “steady and trusted” partner of the Philippines; even Duterte has series of controversial remarks against the Americans.
On Monday, Russel meets with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.
The US State Department announced on its website that the visit of Russel is part of a three-nation swing through Southeast Asia that also includes Thailand and Cambodia.
According to the top diplomat, while the United States supports Manila’s “effort against the scourge of drugs”, Washington was concerned over the loss of lives, which is “not a positive trend” and is “bad for business as well”.
He was also concerned about recent controversial statements made by President Rodrigo Duterte.
His arrival in Manila comes amid confusion over the status of ties between the two long-time allies, after President Rodrigo Duterte announced at a Beijing business forum last Thursday that there would be a “separation” from America, militarily and economically. He later clarified this on Friday when he arrived in Manila that it would mean simply that he would proceed with his thrust for an independent foreign policy, and did not mean a “severing” of ties from the US.
The United States is one of the largest trading partners of the Philippines and its closest security ally for about seven decades already.
Russel is expected to stay in Manila until Tuesday. He will meet with government officials and have lunch with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) participants, before leaving for Thailand.
According to the US State Department, Russel will be in Thailand until Wednesday to convey his condolences on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He is also expected to meet with Thai officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
From Thailand, he will travel to Cambodia to meet with government and opposition party officials, civil society organizations, and address a group of YSEALI members in the country.