Yasay to take up issues raised by Duterte in Washington
Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay will take up issues raised by President Rodrigo Duterte in his speeches, including human rights and removal of American forces in Mindanao, in a potential meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
Yasay flew to Washington Tuesday night to meet senior leaders of the US Senate Relations committee and speak before the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Sept. 15 and 16. He will also attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Yasay may have a chance to meet Kerry, who will host a dinner in Washington for visiting heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers.
Jose said there is no arranged bilateral meeting between Yasay and Kerry, but said the secretary has prepared some talking points.
Duterte, in recent speeches, has criticized the US, particularly President Barack Obama, for raising concerns on his administration’s illegal drugs campaign that has resulted to nearly 3,000 killings.
Jose assured Duterte will honor treaties and agreements with other countries, including the US.
He added Duterte is only trying send a message that his administration is pursuing an independent foreign policy. “We are not breaking our alliance with the US,” he said.
Jose said the US remains steadfast in its commitment to defense obligations with the Philippines.
On joint patrols, Jose said this is not considered official government policy as consultations between the foreign affairs and defense departments are going on.
Jose said there is no agreement that binds the Philippines to participate in the maritime patrols in the South China Sea.
“We have to discuss this together with our defense agencies on how to enforce this and its implication on our effort to enhance our defense capabilities, maritime defense and maritime defense awareness,” Jose said. DMS
