Marcos bares ‘productive’ talks with world leaders

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during an arrival ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The President arrived on Monday, November 20, 2023 from his weeklong trip from the United States. INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo

Upon returning to Manila on Monday night from his US visit for the leaders’ summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), President Marcos reported on his meetings with world leaders and US officials as well as the clean energy deals signed between the US and the Philippines.

In his speech upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base, the President said he separately met at the Apec forum with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, US Vice President Kamala Harris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and US Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. John Aquilino.

“Our discussions were, of course, very productive, with innovation, resilience, sustainability and inclusiveness as crosscutting themes, that are buttressed by our commitment to further strengthening cooperation to address common challenges [both to our] economic and national security,” Mr. Marcos said.

“These reinforced my discussions with leaders during the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting, in which I pushed for our priorities in clean, renewable, and accessible, affordable energy; food security; health systems; digitalization and digital transformation and digital inclusion of our MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises); and, of course, climate action through regional cooperation,” he added.

123 agreement

Mr. Marcos also said the civil nuclear cooperation agreement signed by Philippine and US officials would pave the way for potential nuclear power projects with American providers.

According to him, US companies Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. and Manila Electric Co. are now undertaking pre-feasibility studies on Micro-Modular Reactors following the signing of the 123 agreement between Manila and Washington that will provide the legal basis for and facilitate US exports of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines for peaceful purposes.

“This partnership is a significant step toward exploring clean and sustainable energy options for the Philippines,” the President said. INQ