Toward a Deeper Alliance: United States-Philippines Bilateral Cooperation

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

The second United States-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue took place in Washington, DC on January 26 and 27. It was attended by senior officials of our governments who reviewed a number of shared accomplishments achieved over the past year. Through our deepened partnership our two countries made a number of significant advances across a wide range of issues, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation in the coming year and beyond. Some notable recent achievements include:

Defense and Security Cooperation

· Secretary of State Clinton, Secretary of Foreign Affairs del Rosario, and Secretary of Defense Gazmin signed the Manila Declaration on November 16, 2011, aboard the USS Fitzgerald; the Declaration reaffirms both countries’ shared obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty and charts a vision for a multi-faceted alliance for the 21st century.

• The United States transferred the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hamilton, now the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, to the Philippine Navy, supporting Philippine maritime domain awareness. The transfer of a second cutter is pending U.S. Congressional review;
   
• The Philippine Government streamlined the diplomatic clearance process for U.S. military aircraft and ships, enhancing opportunities for training and interoperability;
   
• The United States provided advanced officer training and communications equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard;
   
• Our governments signed a statement of intent to allow joint missions to recover remains of American military personnel deployed in the Philippines during World War II;
   
• At the request of President Aquino, the U.S. and Philippine Governments collaborated in removing more than 360,000 pounds of leftover WWII naval ordnance from Caballo Island in February 2011.

Prosperity and Governance

• Secretary Clinton and Secretary del Rosario signed a Joint Statement of Principles on November 16, 2011, for the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG) and established a Joint Action Plan to guide its implementation;
   
• Also in November, our senior trade officials signed a Trade and Customs Facilitation agreement on the sidelines of the APEC conference in Honolulu, continued discussions on a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, and further discussed the Philippines’ interest in eventually joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership;
   
• Our governments oversaw the entry-into-force of our $434 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact in May 2011, ahead of schedule. The three compact projects are underway, and;
   
• Presidents Obama and Aquino, together with six other founding countries, launched the Open Government Partnership in September 2011 and welcomed the commitment of over 40 governments to improve transparency, accountability, and civic participation in 21st century governance.

Rule of Law and Law Enforcement

• Our governments commissioned a $26 million Megaports Initiative system at the Port of Manila to help deter, detect, and interdict illicit shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials;
   
• The Philippines formed an interagency airport task force with support from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to interdict trafficking and help enforce anti-narcotics laws at Ninoy Aquino International Airport;
   
• Following successful cooperation between our law enforcement agencies, the United States returned to the Philippines ill-gotten wealth from former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and the sons of former military comptroller Carlos Garcia;
   
• Several U.S. agencies helped enhance police and forensics capabilities in Mindanao, and;
   
• The U.S. assisted Philippine anti-corruption institutions in increasing their ability to gather and analyze evidence.

Regional and Global Cooperation

• As the country coordinator for the U.S.-ASEAN dialogue, the Philippines worked closely with the United States on a number of issues and facilitated President Obama's participation in the Third U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting in Bali. Areas of Philippine cooperation included successful consultations with nuclear weapons states (NWS), including the United States, that resolved outstanding issues and should ultimately enable the NWS to sign the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty;
   
• The United States and the Philippines cooperated closely in the region’s multilateral bodies, including the ASEAN Regional Forum and East Asia Summit (EAS). At the EAS in Bali, Presidents Obama and Aquino made strong statements on the region’s pressing political and strategic issues, including maritime security, nonproliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and;
   
• The Philippines and the United States, working with Australia, co-chaired a workshop on disease detection and surveillance for ASEAN Regional Forum participants, the third in an on-going series of annual biosecurity workshops held in Manila.

Joint Statement of the United States-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

Following is the text of a joint statement by the United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines issued on January 27, 2012, in Washington, DC.

Begin Text:

The United States and the Republic of the Philippines held the second Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on January 26-27, 2012, in Washington, DC. In the spirit of the November 2011 Manila Declaration, the dialogue provided an opportunity to consult and exchange views on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, reflecting our common values and interests. The dialogue was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense
Peter Lavoy for the United States and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Erlinda Basilio and Undersecretary of National Defense Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Republic of the Philippines. Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan chaired the working group on Rule of Law and Law Enforcement.

During the dialogue, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed our commitment to fulfill the vision of the Manila Declaration through an invigorated and expanded alliance capable of addressing 21st century challenges. We reinforced the significance of our Mutual Defense Treaty as the basis for the alliance and the treaty’s continued relevance to the peace, security, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. We committed to further enhance cooperation, including in security, defense, commerce, law enforcement, human rights, and disaster relief. We agreed to deepen and broaden our maritime security cooperation. We emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral trade and investment ties to increase prosperity for the people in both countries. We reviewed our ongoing collaboration in the Partnership for Growth and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. We recognized the efforts being taken by the Philippine government in resolving human rights cases and discussed positive developments in the prosecution of abuses. We emphasized a mutual commitment to these efforts.

We look forward to continuing our high-level consultation at a joint ministerial meeting between Secretary of State Rodham Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, and Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin this March. The two sides also highlighted upcoming opportunities for further high-level engagement, including a visit by Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro to the Philippines in February and a visit to the Philippines by Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis in late February to discuss economic issues and the interest of the Philippines in potentially joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

21st Century Statecraft Month: Digital Engagements January 30-31

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

The U.S. Department of State has designated January 2012 as 21^st Century Statecraft month. Twenty-first Century Statecraft complements traditional foreign policy by harnessing and adapting the digital networks and technologies of today’s interconnected world. The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Missions abroad have developed a range of initiatives to showcase U.S. diplomatic leadership in leveraging digital networks and technologies in service of their foreign policy goals.

Throughout the month of January, U.S. officials in Washington, DC, and at U.S. Missions abroad are participating in digital engagements across multiple social media platforms on a wide array of issues to directly connect with the public on foreign policy issues that matter to them.

Next week’s engagements include the following events:

• On Monday, January 30, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder will hold a Twitter Q&A at 10:00 a.m. EST. Submit questions to @USAmbNATO using the hashtag #AskIvo.
   
• On Tuesday, January 31, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Daniel Baer will participate in a Live at State web chat with bloggers and journalists from around the world at 9:30 a.m. EST. Video of the web chat will be available on video.state.gov.
   
• Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ann Stock will participate in a Twitter Q&A at 09:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, January 31. Assistant Secretary Stock will discuss the role of technology and social media in English language programs, exchanges, and cultural diplomacy initiatives. Submit your questions to @ConnectStateGov and @AnnatState using the hashtag #AskAnn.
   
• On Tuesday, January 31, U.S. Ambassador to France Charles H. Rivkin will answer questions on foreign policy and U.S.-French relations on Facebook. You can submit your questions on the embassy’s Facebook page in English or French until Monday evening.
   
• The U.S. Mission to NATO and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs are launching their Twitter accounts. Follow @USNATO and @State_IO for updates on multilateral issues and transatlantic relations as the U.S. gets ready to host the NATO Summit this May in Chicago.

Stay tuned to www.state.gov, the DipNote blog, @StateDept on Twitter and the U.S. Department of State’s official Facebook page, as additional engagement opportunities will continue on our social media platforms throughout 2012.

Secretary Clinton Meets with Members of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

Today, Secretary of State Clinton met with Professor Dinah Shelton, President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), and the members of the Commission.

This is an historic moment for the Commission, which welcomes three newly elected women Commissioners to serve on the hemispheric human rights body. A principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commission advances the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the Americas. It impacts thousands of lives in the hemisphere through the issuance of decisions and recommendations to OAS member states to improve the human rights conditions in their countries.

Secretary Clinton stressed the United States’ support for the work of the Commission and its Rapporteurs. The visit also provided occasion for the announcement of an increase in the United States’ financial support for the Commission.

The Commission plays a unique role and is a model for other regions. It investigates individual petitions that allege violations of human rights and publishes special reports on individual countries. It also promotes human rights through the work of its Rapporteurs such as the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. The Commission’s work has helped to protect and in many cases saved the lives of those who work to advance human rights and advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations.

The defense and promotion of human rights is a foundation of the OAS, and the United States is committed to continuing support of the Commission’s work and its independence. Preserving the IACHR’s autonomy from political interference is a pillar of our human rights policy in the region.

Under Secretary's Travel to Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil January 29 - February 4, 2012

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

Under Secretary for Political Affairs Ambassador Wendy Sherman will visit Colombia January 29-30, Mexico January 31-February 1, and Brazil February 2-4.

During Under Secretary Sherman’s visit to Colombia, she will continue discussions with President Santos and senior government officials in Bogota about preparations for the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena in April 2012. The visit will also underscore the breadth of the U.S.-Colombia relationship, highlighting Colombia’s increasing role as a regional leader and partner of the United States. The Under Secretary’s meetings with government officials and civil society leaders will advance important issues of mutual interest including regional security, combating drug trafficking, protection of human rights, and strengthening our economic relationship, including preparations for the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Under Secretary Sherman will travel to Mexico City to advance the strong U.S.-Mexico partnership. In Mexico City, she will meet with senior government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists. Under Secretary Sherman will also join First Lady Margarita Zavala to inaugurate the National Network Against Addictions (RENADIC) - a Merida Initiative-supported information technology platform to monitor and reduce drug demand. The Under Secretary’s visit will reaffirm our productive relationship on a range of issues including economic prosperity, regional cooperation, and civil society participation in confronting shared challenges. The visit will also reinforce our continuing cooperation under the Merida Initiative to build strong, resilient communities and a secure, efficient 21st century border.

Under Secretary Sherman’s visit to Brazil will reinforce our constructive partnership with this vibrant democracy, South America’s largest country, and underscore joint efforts to foster economic prosperity through education and increased trade and investment, and support for social inclusion that taps the potential of all citizens. She will travel to Brasilia and then to Recife in northeast Brazil. In Brasilia, the Under Secretary will meet with senior officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, including bilateral cooperation and regional as well as global issues. In Recife, Under Secretary Sherman will engage with government officials, youth, women, and business leaders. She will take part in a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation with the State of Pernambuco.

Secretary Clinton to Travel to Germany and Bulgaria

Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

On February 3-5, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to Germany and Bulgaria. In Munich, Germany, Secretary Clinton will participate in the 48th Munich Security Conference. This annual event brings together global leaders to discuss common security challenges. In her address to the Conference, the Secretary will reaffirm the fundamental importance of the transatlantic relationship and Europe’s role as an essential partner in addressing global security challenges.

While in Munich the Secretary will also hold bilateral meetings with her European and other counterparts.

The Secretary will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria, February 5, to meet with senior Bulgarian officials and discuss a range of issues, including democratic transitions in the Middle East, our ongoing support for Afghanistan, energy security and our bilateral cooperation in international law enforcement.

G-8 Global Partnership Meetings

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

Question Taken at the January 26, 2012 Daily Press Briefing

January 27, 2012

Question: Can you provide any details or readout of Ambassador Jenkins’ meetings with her counterparts on the G-8 Global Partnership?

Answer: From January 24-26, representatives from more than 20 members of the Global Partnership (GP) and, for the first time, ten international organizations participated in the first meeting of the Global Partnership for 2012 under U.S. leadership. The group reflected on the outcomes of the Deauville Summit, and on areas of future collaborative efforts in the four focus areas agreed to in Deauville: nuclear and radiological security; biosecurity; scientist engagement; and facilitating the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The group also discussed efforts to increase the membership of the partnership and ways in which the GP can become a more effective coordinating mechanism for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threat reduction activities among its members and relevant international organizations. The meeting reflected a new direction of the GP to be more global in scope and responsive to new security challenges. GP members also agreed that Kazakhstan would join the Partnership, making it the 24^th member of the group.

Further information regarding the US Chairmanship of the G-8 Global Partnership is available at: http://www.state.gov/t/isn/c12743.htm

Guinea: Status of Legislative Elections

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

Question Taken at the January 26, 2012 Daily Press Briefing

January 27, 2012

Question: Do we have a comment on the democratic process in Guinea which has been lagging behind, as efforts to hold legislative elections have yet to succeed? Do we have evidence of reported efforts to exclude the number of parties in the elections? Are there any plans for Assistant Secretary Carson to meet President Condé on this issue?

Answer: The United States continues to call on the Government of Guinea to establish an electoral timeline and hold legislative elections at the earliest possible date. We believe that dialogue between Guinea’s government and political party leadership is essential, and strongly encourage all political players to return to the negotiation table to reconcile their differences. The United States does not have evidence of reported efforts to exclude any political parties. At this time, there are no plans for A/S Carson to meet with President Condé on this issue; however, the United States remains engaged with the Government of Guinea and will continue to stress the importance of dialogue and the need to hold free, fair and timely legislative elections.

Assistant Secretary Campbell Travel to the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia, January 30 - February 4, 2012

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell will travel to the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia January 30-February 4.

In Seoul, Republic of Korea, January 31-February 1, Assistant Secretary Campbell will meet with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Blue House. He will discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including recent developments in North Korea.

Assistant Secretary Campbell will visit Hanoi, Vietnam, February 1-3, to meet with senior Vietnamese leaders to discuss bilateral and regional issues and seek progress on initiatives to deepen bilateral ties.

February 3-4, Assistant Secretary Campbell will visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia. While there, he will meet with senior Cambodian government officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, including Cambodia’s role as 2012 ASEAN chair, and to discuss ways to further strengthen our bilateral engagement.

Assistant Secretary Campbell returns to Washington, D.C., on February 4.

Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies' Travel to Russia, January 31 - February 3, 2012

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 27, 2012

Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies will travel to Russia January 31 - February 3, to deepen cooperation and share perspectives on North Korea.

Special Representative Davies will arrive in Moscow on January 31. While there, he will meet with senior Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and Ambassador-at-Large for Six-Party Talks Grigoriy Logvinov.

Special Envoy for Six-Party Talks Clifford Hart will accompany Special Representative Davies on this trip.