(CHRISTIAN DALE/JESSE KABEL)

NAGKITA sina United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., nitong Huwebes at tinalakay kung paano palalakasin ang alyansa sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos.

Sa isang tweet, sinabi ni Sherman na ang ekonomiya, human rights, at free Indo-Pacific region ay kabilang sa mga paksa na tinalakay ng mga ito sa kanilang pulong.

“I was pleased to meet and congratulate President-elect Marcos. We discussed strengthening our longstanding alliance, expanding people-to-people ties, deepening our economic relationship, advancing human rights, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” ayon kay Sherman.

Ayon naman kay US Department of State spokesman Ned Price, kapwa sinang-ayunan nina Sherman at Marcos ang kahalagahan ng pakikipagtambal upang mapalakas ang ekonomiya, “including the importance of public-private partnerships, clean energy, and our digital economy.”

“The Deputy Secretary and the President-elect highlighted the importance of the US-Philippine Alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world and the importance of fostering respect for human rights and rule of law in the Philippines,” ayon kay Price.

Kasama rin sa pulong sina Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, incoming Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez at Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro.

Samantala, nag- courtesy call din si Sherman kay Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Si Sherman ay nasa Pilipinas upang makita at makadaupang-palad ang mga opisyal ng outgoing at incoming administrations, na may layunin na paigtingin ang ugnayan ng Estados Unidos at Pilipinas.