United States Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte during her visit to the country.
She will fly to Manila on Nov. 21 after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2022 in Thailand, a US senior administration official said in a background briefing in the White House on Wednesday.
Harris will meet Duterte and Macros in a bilateral meeting to boost the security alliance and economic ties between the Philippines and US.
“On security, the Vice President will reaffirm our defense commitments to the Philippines and the importance of our alliance in peace and stability in the South China Sea. They will discuss upholding international rules and norms,” the US administrator official said.
As per economic ties, Harris is anticipated to talk about the digital economy and upskilling and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
After the bilateral meeting, the US official said the Vice President will meet with civil society activists to show the continued support of US for "human rights and democratic resilience."
She will also participate in a town hall meeting with Filipino women to speak about women and girls empowerment.
“As she does all around the world, the Vice President prioritizes lifting up the voices of women and advocating for their economic empowerment and civic participation,” the US official said.
The following day, the US Vice President will travel to Puerto Princesa in Palawan to meet with civil society leaders, residents, and representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Harris will deliver statements highlighting the essence of international law, unimpeded commerce, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Also during her Palawan trip, she will engage with residents and discuss the impacts of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing on their livelihoods and coastal economies.