By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) are looking forward to a meeting with United States (US) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the Philippines' top diplomat said Tuesday.
Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said that Philippines-US relations remain robust and active as Manila assumes chairmanship of the 10-member bloc.
"We're hoping at my level, the ASEAN ministers, are hoping still to have a meeting with Secretary Tillerson. I think it's only a matter of scheduling problems but certainly we are in touch with the United States," Manalo said in a televised media briefing.
Manalo noted that President Rodrigo Duterte already talked with US President Donald Trump earlier this year and that other senior government officials remain in touch with their American counterparts.
The Foreign Affairs secretary added that the Philippine officials should increase the number of discussions with US officials.
Read the full story at PhilStar