MANILA, Philippines — United States Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Lee Marc Lipton is expected to arrive in Manila in June to start his tour of duty.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she looks forward to a "vibrant" chapter of Philippines-United States partnership as she met with Lipton in Washington D.C.
"It was a pleasure meeting US Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Lee Marc Lipton in Washington DC ahead of his arrival in Manila this month," Lazaro wrote on X on Friday.
The US State Department said Lipton served since January 2025 as chief of staff to the US Mission to the Organization of American States, US Department of State, where he helped lead US engagement on a range of regional challenges.
Before entering public service, Lipton developed and led a successful business in New York City. Lipton’s 50 years of private sector experience influenced his diplomatic role, the State Department said.
Lazaro said she also had a "productive" bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"We engaged in discussions on our strategic partnership across multiple fronts. Our dialogue focused on strengthening economic diplomacy," she said.
"We also reaffirmed our strong maritime cooperation and shared commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions," Lazaro added.