Philippines, US reaffirm alliance after Duterte-Pompeo meeting 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their friendship and alliance during the meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday night.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said Duterte and Pompeo had a “very productive” meeting, which lasted for nearly an hour.

“It was my privilege to join @SecPompeo for a very productive meeting with President Duterte, reaffirming the U.S.-Philippines relationship as #FriendsPartnersAllies,” Kim said in a Twitter post after the meeting.

Pompeo arrived at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at around 9 p.m. where he was welcomed by Duterte and several Cabinet officials.

READ: US Secretary of State Pompeo arrives in Philippines

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said that Duterte and Pompeo would discuss  “mutually beneficial” issues between Manila and Washington.

He said the two leaders would be discussing “mutual concerns” like security and terrorism, among others.

He also earlier said the possible review Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) might be discussed but Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenaza said it was not tackled.

“No MDT discussion,” Lorenzana said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

Panelo has yet to release a statement regarding the meeting of the two officials.

Pompeo’s visit to the Philippines comes as Duterte continues to engage in warm bilateral ties with China despite Beijing’s aggression in the disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).  / gsg