Kamala opens Manila visit
The US Vice President will start her visit on Monday with a meeting with VP Duterte, followed by a longer bilateral meeting with President Marcos
Touch down United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Sunday evening, along with American Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Harris was welcomed at the airport by (not in photo) US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano. The US official would meet her Philippine counterpart, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Monday morning before holding a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | PHOTOGRAPH BY YUMMIE DINGDING FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_yumi
United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in the Philippines on Sunday evening, her first trip to what is considered to be one of the oldest allies of America in Asia.
Harris' visit to the Philippines came following her participation in the recently-concluded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, which was also attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
She is expected to hold separate talks with Mr. Marcos and her Philippine counterpart, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, a senior US administration official told reporters last Wednesday.
The US Vice President will start her week on Monday with a meeting with VP Duterte, followed by a longer bilateral meeting with President Marcos.
"The focus with President Marcos will be twofold: Strengthening our security alliance and economic relationship," the official said.
Harris is also set to reaffirm US defense commitments to the Philippines and the importance of the alliance in peace and stability in the South China Sea.
"They will discuss upholding international rules and norms. The Vice President will also commit to working more closely with the Philippines to strengthen our economic partnership and investment ties," the official said.
"We anticipate there will be deliverables and new initiatives on this front, as well, related to the digital economy and upskilling and accelerating the transition to clean energy," he added.
While in the Philippines, Harris will also participate in a moderated conversation with young Filipino women on the topic "Empowering Women and Girls."
The US official's participation in a town hall meeting with young Filipino women is the first of its kind activity since she assumed office last year, according to the official.
'Visit to Palawan'
On her second day in the Philippines, the second highest-ranking official from the US will fly to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, the nearest province in the South China Sea.
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"This visit demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to stand with our Philippine ally in upholding the rules-based international maritime order in the South China Sea, supporting maritime livelihoods, and countering illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing," the US official said.
Part of her engagements on the island would be meeting with the Philippine Coast Guard, delivering remarks underscoring the importance of international law, unimpeded commerce, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, as well as having discussions with the residents of Palawan.