Private sector leaders have extended their full support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he deepened ties with the United States during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic visit to the country last March 19. Blinken visited to reinforce the relationship between the two countries and explore further cooperation on economic, technology, and security investments in the region.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated America s stance against Israel reoccupying Gaza or reducing its size, responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s plan post-war for Gaza. Blinken emphasized Gaza s role in combating terrorism but rejected Israeli reoccupation, advocating for Gaza s territorial integrity. He also supported Israel s right to self-defense after a West Bank attack. Blinken criticized Israeli settlements, calling them counterproductive to peace and illegal under international law, affirming the US s opposition to settlement expansion.
Union Minister of State V Murleedharan had a brief discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio. Brazil assumed the presidency from India. India expressed support for Brazil and discussed various international issues including Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel-Hamas war.