WASHINGTON, DC, United States — The United States and the Philippines have “significantly strengthened” their alliance under the leadership of US President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the statement on Monday (Tuesday in the Philippines) in a speech he gave at Blair House during the dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy for Marcos, his official delegation, and US Cabinet officials.
Blinked pointed out how the Philippines and the US launched new initiatives together to create economic opportunities for Americans and Filipinos.
He touted how trade between the two nations hit a “new record” with more than $25 billion.
“And just last year, thanks to the leadership of President Biden and President Marcos, we have significantly strengthened our alliance. We’ve launched new initiatives together to create economic opportunities for Americans and Filipinos alike,” Blinken said, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office.
“Because last year, trade between our countries was worth more than $25 billion, a new record, and today President Biden announced that he will send the first ever presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines,” he added.
Blinken also pointed out that the two countries have laid out plans to initiate new clean energy projects that will only increase power outputs “but also create good paying jobs for both our countries.”
Working with their Filipino counterparts, US officials, Blinken said, had taken steps to modernize security alliances “so that our forces can work even closer together despite natural disasters.”
Blinken also highlighted the importance of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in strengthening the foundation of the US.
“Filipinos and Filipino-Americans are a fundamental part of the fabric of the United States,” he said, citing the role of Filipinos in international relations, noting one of his most senior officials in the State Department, Michele Sison, his assistant secretary for international organizations.
In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden hailed the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the US-Philippines alliance.”
“In efforts to promote inclusive and broad-based prosperity, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, uphold international peace and stability, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, the United States and the Philippines will remain the closest of allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackle the emerging challenges of the twenty-first century,” the joint statement read.