MANILA (Bernama-PNA): The Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in Washington and discussed the further expansion of Philippine-US economic relations, specifically through the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).
According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the LEC is a flagship trilateral project by the Philippines, the US and Japan. It is an economic site Manila and Washington, are also positioning as a future location for 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 emphasised 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 meeting 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, emphasising 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. -- BERNAMA-PNA
