US-PH COOPERATION. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo talks to the reporters on the sidelines of the exchange of notes on Japan’s grant aid for the Open RAN System laboratory at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2025). Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said he is hoping to meet his US counterpart State Secretary Marco Rubio during the Munich Secretary Conference in Germany on Feb. 14-16 to further discuss the Philippine-US cooperation. (Photo by Joyce Rocamora)
## Philippines Aims to Strengthen US Cooperation at Munich Security Conference
**MANILA, Philippines** – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is hopeful to meet with his US counterpart, State Secretary Marco Rubio, at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) to further discuss deepening cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.
Manalo confirmed his attendance at the MSC, which takes place in Germany from February 14 to 16. He highlighted a recent positive conversation with Secretary Rubio, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening ties in both defense and economic spheres.
“It basically just reaffirms the cooperation in the areas of defense and economic cooperation,” Manalo said, referring to his conversation.
“I hope to meet Secretary Rubio… where we can further discuss our cooperation,” he added, expressing his optimism about the upcoming meeting.
Beyond bilateral discussions, Manalo also intends to engage in further conversations regarding trilateral cooperation with both the US and Japan.
US Aid Freeze Raises Concerns
While the Philippines and the US aim to strengthen their partnership, the recent US foreign aid freeze raises concerns regarding ongoing assistance programs in the Philippines.
Manalo acknowledged the US’s sovereign right to manage its foreign aid programs but expressed a desire to clarify the impact on Philippines-specific projects. He noted the significant role USAID has played in various crucial programs, including education and disaster preparedness.
“We will clarify. But you know, we have always benefited from USAID,” Manalo stated, recognizing the importance of US assistance.
**Want to learn more about the evolving relationship between the Philippines and the United States? Stay tuned for further updates and analysis.**