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MANILA, Philippines – They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The same may apply with politicians especially when you are talking diplomacy.
According to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, he and other Filipino lawmakers were surprised when United States (US) Rep. Ami Bera (D-California 6th District), offered them balut or boiled duck egg and beers during a meeting on Wednesday (Eastern time) in Washington.
Balut, although considered an exotic delicacy, is one of the most prominent street foods in the Philippines, often eaten by people as snack while having drinks.
During the meeting, the Philippine delegation led by Romualdez talked about “crucial regional matters and the strengthening of diplomatic ties” between the US and the Philippines.
Both Romualdez and Bera also stressed the need to “foster stability, peace, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.”
There were also talks on enhancing defense capabilities, promoting economic opportunities, strengthening trade relations, investmenting in green economies, and partnering in global infrastructure projects. Bera then suggested that they can draft a memorandum of understanding that will be sent to the respective embassies and call it “balut diplomacy”.
“It’s an important time in the region. None of us wants conflicts. We seek cooperation but we should respect each other’s sovereignty. We stand close to each other,” Bera said.
“We do jointly partnerships, English language. Let’s draft and forward it to the embassy. Call it balut diplomacy,” he added.
In response, Romualdez expressed gratitude for Bera for the unwavering support to US-Philippine ties.
“Our gratitude and appreciation for your support, especially from your district as your home. We will not take that for granted. You are a true friend to the Philippines,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez’s meeting with Bera and other US lawmakers came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit in the US for the first-ever trilateral summit between the Philippines, US, and Japan.
READ: US, Japan, PH to China: Stop ‘coercive use’ of coast guard in SCS
During the discussions between Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, various points of cooperation were announced, like investments into the Luzon Economic Corridor and projects to link hubs in the area; field testing of new generation internet systems; and study tours for Filipino scientists in terms of teaching them how to handle nuclear energy.
READ: Trilateral event at Indo-Pacific forum to eye Luzon corridor investments
In addition, the three leaders also expressed concerns about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, calling on the Asian superpower to stop coercively using its Coast Guard.