MANILA, March 15 -- Discussions on ways to strengthen the Philippines and the United States' economic resiliency will be high on the agenda of State Secretary Antony Blinken's anticipated Manila visit next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

The US top diplomat will travel to Manila from March 18 to 19 and meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

"Among the range of key issues to be tackled, the broadening and deepening of cooperation in the economic sphere will be high on the agenda," the DFA said.

"Discussions will highlight efforts to promote trade and investments and a common resolve to sustain economic resiliency as an essential component of national security....