Manila, Philippines - The President of the Philippines hosted U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for a working lunch at his residence in Manila today.

The luncheon was an opportunity for Secretary Kerry to congratulate President Duterte for his election victory, which he said showed the strength and vibrancy of Filipino democracy.

The two discussed the full range of bilateral and regional issues that underpin U.S.-Philippines relations, including the recent decision by the arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea, security and defense cooperation, law enforcement assistance, human rights, countering violent extremism, economic development and climate change.

Secretary Kerry pledged U.S. willingness to provide continued assistance to the Philippine government as it works to address drug trafficking and violent extremism, and to deepen and strengthen bilateral relations across the board.‎