Marcos Jr.: American VP Harris’ visit a very strong symbol of solid PH-US ties

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said that the visit of United States Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines is a “very strong symbol” that the relationship between the two nations remains “strong” and “important.”

In his remarks during Harris’ courtesy call, Marcos noted that the situation in Southeast Asia is “rapidly changing” and that US-Philippines ties must “evolve to be properly responsive.”

“This is why it is very important that we continue to progress, that we continue to strengthen as we define those relationships,” he said.

“So your visit is a very strong symbol that these relationships remain strong and that our relationships remain important as indeed they do,” the President added.

Marcos also said the Philippines’ relationship with the US has strengthened “in every way” after going through “different phases.”

“In the economic sense, the political sense, defense, security, we cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated and have had good results for both our countries,” he said.

Harris is the first high-ranking US government official to visit the Philippines since Marcos assumed the presidency.

Harris is in the Philippines for a series of engagements including meetings with Marcos on the economic and security ties between the two countries and a trip to Palawan.

Marcos earlier said he sees no reason why Harris’ visit to the Philippines, especially to Palawan, will stir tensions between the Philippines and China — considering the island province is the closest to the West Philippine Sea.

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