President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and American President Joe Biden. FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that his four-day visit to the United States (US) and meeting with its chief executive Joe Biden would help advance the nation’s interest and further strengthen the alliance of both countries.
Marcos said this during his departure speech at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. Following his speech, the President left the country with First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and the rest of the Philippine delegation for a meeting with his American counterpart on May 1.
“My visit is important because this is part of our efforts to further reinforce our already strong bonds with the US by bringing our alliance into the 21st century,” Marcos said.
Prior to this visit, Marcos and Biden met for a bilateral meeting in New York last September, while Vise President Kamala Harris visited Manila last November.
According to Marcos, his meeting with US president Joe Biden is “essential to advancing [the country’s] national interest and strengthening that very important alliance,” adding that the Philippines will reaffirm its commitment to fostering a long-standing partnership with the US “as an instrument of peace and catalyst of development in the Asia -Pacific region and the world.”
Aside from these, Marcos said he aims to push for greater economic engagement, mainly through trade, investment, and science, technology, and innovation cooperation between both countries.
He said that the national government also intends to seek opportunities in the semiconductor industry, critical minerals, renewable and clean energy, nuclear, and infrastructure projects to improve digital and telecommunication systems and facilitate sustainability efforts to address climate change.
The president also plans to meet with the Filipino community there “who continue contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.”
For his visit, Marcos will be staying in Washington, D.C., until May 4.
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