Official Reception honoring the 9th U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

Congratulations to a successful 9th U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held November 15-16, in Washington D.C. Following conclusion of the two-day talks, the US-Philippines Society in partnership with the Philippine Embassy hosted a reception attended by senior U.S. and Philippines delegates.

US-Philippines Society Co-Chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte welcomed guests, citing progress in forging cooperation on defense, economic policy, meeting regional challenges, and strengthening a dialogue on the rule of law. He said, “your work will serve as a catalyst for addressing issues of central concern to the governments and peoples of both countries.”

Negroponte added, “the BSD is emblematic of a bilateral relationship that has both endured and adapted over the 75 years since the United States and the Philippines established formal diplomatic relations.” He specifically cited cooperation on the COVID pandemic, strengthening resilience in an era of climate change, and meeting new transnational challenges.

Leading the Philippine delegation Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez offered a “Toast to Solidarity and Celebration” with affirmation and commitment to sustaining regular high-level meetings and maintaining the partnership’s relevance and usefulness amid geopolitical realities and challenges. He acknowledged the U.S. assistance for a stronger military and economically prosperous Philippines.

Head of the U.S. delegation Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink thanked both sides for producing a multi-faceted agreement summarized in the “Joint Vision for a 21st Century United States-Philippines Partnership,” a roadmap that encompasses security, health, economics and trade.

In describing U.S. foreign policy towards Philippines, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink said “we stood together, fought together and died together to defend the partnership, democratic values and lives of our peoples.”

We stand as “allies, partners and friends; we have your back,” the Secretary added.

In a statement on November 17, Co-Chair of U.S. delegation Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner pointed out key elements of the new joint vision including “bilateral defense guidelines, a first for the alliance; agreement to conclude a GSOMIA; bilateral maritime framework to integrate activities; re-energizing EDCA initiatives and exploring additional joint development sites.”

The US-Philippines Society recognizes the leadership role of the U.S. State Department Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs in this year’s successful BSD. The Society also acknowledges effective inter-agency teamwork throughout the bilateral strategic dialogue reflecting the participation of USAID Deputy Administrator Craig Hart, DASD Lindsey Ford, DAS ENR Anna Shpitsberg and Deputy Director RSAT Peter Evans, among others.

The visiting Philippine delegation from Manila was led by DND Assistant Secretary Teodoro Cirilo Torralba, DFA Assistant Secretary Kira Azucena, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DOJ Undersecretary Adrian Sugay and DND Undersecretary Cardozo Luna.

US-Philippines Society Co-Chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte

Master of Ceremonies Executive Director Hank Hendrickson

Photo Gallery: November 16 Reception