Bilateral talks between Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and US Pres. Joe Biden.
NEW YORK CITY — United States President Joe Biden on Thursday told President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that he wants to talk about human rights during the first bilateral talks between the two nations.
The two leaders had a bilateral meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Biden said he wanted to talk about COVID-19 recovery, energy security, renewable energy, the South China Sea dispute, and human rights.
“Today, I look forward to discussing the opportunities for a wide range of issues including COVID-19 recovery, energy security, renewable energy. I expect we’ll discuss the South China Sea and disputes in critical global throughway,” the US President said in his remarks before the bilateral talks.
“So we want to talk about human rights — several whole range of things. But I’m mainly — I’m interested to know what’s on your mind and how we can continue to strengthen this relationship,” he added.
Biden, in his remarks, noted how the relations between the US and the Philippines “has very deep roots,” although admitting that the two countries had “rocky times.”
“The fact is, it’s a critical, critical relationship from our perspective. I hope you feel the same way,” the US President said.
“And our foundations are strong with the US-Philippine alliance which has critical importance.,” Biden added.
In July, Biden invited Marcos Jr. to Washington.
He was also the first foreign head of state to formally extend such a gesture to Marcos, days after he took his oath as the Philippines’ new chief executive.
Malacañang also said Marcos is the only world leader who met with Biden, out of 48 requests to see the US President.