By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in Washington, D.C. on Friday and discussed further expansion in the Philippine-US economic relations, specifically through the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).
The LEC is a flagship trilateral project by the Philippines, US and Japan. It is an economic site Manila and Washington, D.C. are also positioning as future location to the Pax Silica’s 4,000-acre industrial artificial intelligence hub.
“The Secretary (Rubio) reaffirmed the US commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address energy challenges in the region,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement Saturday.
“The Secretary emphasized the strength of the United States-Philippines Alliance and continued close cooperation as the two countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as allies in 2026.”
Lazaro said the productive meet primarily focused on strengthening the two nations’ economic diplomacy.
“We also reaffirmed our strong maritime cooperation and shared commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions,” she said.
Pigott said the officials discussed a range of bilateral economic and security priorities, including the Philippines’ ASEAN chair year as well as efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea.
In her series of engagements in the US capital, Lazaro also met with US Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Lee Lipton, who is set to arrive in Manila this month. (PNA)
