The following is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner:
On November 17, Secretary Kerry met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay in Lima on the margins of the APEC ministerial meeting. The two agreed on the importance of a strong U.S.-Philippines bilateral relationship and alliance. They discussed ways to strengthen U.S.-Philippines cooperation on a variety of issues of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, security in the South China Sea, and commercial and economic relations. They also exchanged views on the Philippines counternarcotics campaign and human rights.