MANILA – US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is set to visit the Philippines to discuss bilateral relations with both incoming and outgoing Philippine government officials.
In a statement released on June 3, the Office of the Spokesperson of the US Department of State said Sherman would meet with President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other senior government officials to discuss “new ways to deepen the bilateral US-Philippines alliance.”
Apart from the Philippines, Sherman will also visit the Republic of Korea (ROK), Laos, and Vietnam from June 5 to 14.
“She will also participate in a business roundtable and an event in celebration of World Oceans Day,” the statement read, adding that Sherman’s visit shows the US’ “continued commitment” to the Indo-Pacific region and follows several events that occurred last month.
In Seoul, Sherman will meet with ROK leaders including Foreign Minister Park Jin, Unification Minister Kwon Young-se, and First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong.
“The Deputy Secretary will also discuss the importance of women’s leadership and economic empowerment with leading women startup entrepreneurs, as well as meet with LGBTQI+ civil society leaders to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and mark Pride Month,” the statement said.
Sherman will also meet with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo and have a trilateral meeting with ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Cho and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori in Seoul.
In Vientiane, Sherman will meet with Laos Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Vice Foreign Minister Bounleua Phandanouvong to talk about “how to best support Laos as it pursues its sustainable development goals and boosts its prosperity and connectivity with its ASEAN neighbors.”
In Ho Chi Minh City, Sherman will meet with Vietnam municipal Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nene and talk at Fulbright University Vietnam.
“In Hanoi, the Deputy Secretary will meet with Vietnamese officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and Vice Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc to emphasize the strength of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and U.S. support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam,” it said. (PNA)
