Kerry’s visit to Tacloban City confirmed

By: Matikas Santos - 10 years ago

US Secretary of State John Kerry. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry will visit storm-devastated Tacloban City as part of his travels to the Middle East and Southeast Asia from December 11 to 18.

“Kerry will travel to the Philippines, our longtime U.S. friend and ally. In Manila, the Secretary will meet with senior Philippine officials to discuss ways to build on our already-strong economic, security, and people-to-people relations,” Jen Psaki, State Department spokesperson said in a press conference Wednesday (US Time).

“Then, the Secretary will visit the storm-hit city of Tacloban to witness first-hand the recovery efforts that are taking place there and discuss how the United States can continue to contribute to the relief and reconstruction work,” she said.

The US was among the first to deploy its military assets and personnel in the Visayas after “Yolanda” devastated towns and cities in several provinces in its path.

Before visiting the Philippines, Kerry will travel to the cities of Jerusalem and Ramallah in the Middle East, and the cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi in Vietnam.

Kerry’s previously scheduled visit to the Philippines in October was cancelled due to bad weather.

Kerry will be visiting the country in place of US President Barack Obama who had to cancel the long-planned visit due to the government shutdown caused by a deadlock in the passage of the US budget.

“Within the Asia-Pacific rebalance, Southeast Asia holds special importance, and the Secretary’s travel to Vietnam and the Philippines demonstrates the enduring U.S. commitment and his personal connections to the region,” Psaki said.