PRESS RELEASE
WDC-31-2026
19 May 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez met with incoming U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines ahead of the latter’s departure for his tour of duty in the Philippines.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed the longstanding and enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, including opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement, security cooperation, people-to-people ties, and regional collaboration. This year, both countries are commemorating eighty (80) years of diplomatic relations, and the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty.
Both officials also underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in emerging strategic sectors such as in the processing of critical minerals, energy cooperation, advanced manufacturing, and resilient supply chains.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Philippines’ chairship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council this coming June.
Ambassador Romualdez welcomed the incoming envoy and expressed confidence that Philippine-U.S. relations would continue to grow under their shared commitment to advancing the interests of both countries and peoples.
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