Risch Meets with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today welcomed Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. to the United States Senate:

“The U.S.-Philippine alliance is crucial to the security of the Philippines, the United States, and the entire Indo-Pacific region. In our meeting today, Secretary Locsin and I discussed the importance of our alliance continuing to grow, and the commitment that will require from both countries in today’s challenging security environment.

“The Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) is the foundation of our alliance, and the secretary and I had a great conversation about strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. I also raised my concerns about the Philippines’ decision to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and its impact on the MDT.

“Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to the government and people of the Philippines for welcoming Afghan refugees in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal. The United States appreciates your generosity.” 

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