LOOK: US Secretary Mike Pompeo meets Locsin at DFA, signs guestbook

DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday arrived at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to discuss “issues of mutual interest” with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.

Pompeo was officially welcomed by Locsin. The two leaders will also hold a meeting to discuss “issues of mutual interest,” the DFA earlier said.

Pompeo also signed the DFA’s guestbook.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signs DFA guestbook as DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin looks on. Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

Pompeo arrived the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City around 9 p.m. on Thursday for his two-day visit to the Philippines. He was welcomed by President Rodrigo Duterte and several Cabinet officials.

READ: US Secretary of State Pompeo arrives in Philippines

Pompeo and Duterte had a “very productive meeting” on Thursday night, reaffirming the two nation’s friendship and alliance, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim earlier said.

READ: Philippines, US reaffirm alliance after Duterte-Pompeo meeting

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said that Duterte and Pompeo would discuss “mutually beneficial” issues between Manila and Washington.

READ: Duterte, US Secretary of State to tackle terrorism, security matters

Pompeo’s visit to the Philippines comes amid Duterte’s engagement in warm bilateral ties with China despite China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. /muf