(Photo courtesy of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. official Facebook page)
By Christine Fabro
United States President Joe Biden will host President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a bilateral meeting at the White House on May 1, White House Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Friday, April 21.
In a statement, Jean-Pierre said US President Biden will “reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines” during the visit.
The leaders are also set to discuss efforts to strengthen the US-Philippines alliance.
“The two leaders will review opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations’ special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, and ensure respect for human rights,” the statement read.
“The two leaders will also discuss regional matters and coordinate on efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it further read.
In a separate release, the country’s Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed that President Marcos will travel to Washington D.C. from April 30 to May 4 for an official visit aimed at “reaffirming the special relationship between the Philippines and the United States.”
“The President’s itinerary will begin on 01 May with a meeting with US President Joe Biden, followed by an expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials,” the PCO said.
“The visit will reaffirm the bonds of friendship that give definition and significance to the many facets of the bilateral relationship, underpinned by the close affinity shared by Filipinos and Americans alike for many years,” it added.
The PCO stressed that the President is expected to advance the country’s socio-economic and development priorities, as well as harness closer partnership in areas such as agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation and technology, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supply chains, and infrastructure.
“The trip will highlight the steadfast commitment by both sides to be reliable and resilient allies and partners in times of crisis and prosperity, amid a challenging global and regional environment,” the PCO explained.
Marcos had his first bilateral meeting with Biden during the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2022. –ag
