PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Manila and Washington must work together to address current realities and challenges. "Frank exchanges and regular interactions between both sides must be sustained," said Romualdez on Wednesday as the Philippines and the US concluded their 9th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD). Both sides also signed the Strategic Policy Guidance to the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board. The BSD is an annual consultation mechanism to discuss the full range of political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. "This year's discussions focused on strengthening cooperation on defense and security, counterterrorism, law enforcement, human rights, post-pandemic recovery, maritime issues, climate change and clean energy," the DFA said.

Source: Manila Times November 17, 2021 16:36 UTC