By Alec Go
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be flying to the United States (US) next week to meet President Joe Biden and business leaders, a move seen to reaffirm socioeconomic and defense relations between the two nations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the meeting between the two leaders will take place on May 1, followed by an expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials.
Referring to the President’s visit, DFA further explained that “it will substantively progress efforts to further deepen relations and political ties, to bring about lasting socio-economic partnerships, as well as to enhance defense and security cooperation.”
“The President is expected to advance the Philippines’ socio-economic and development priorities and harness closer partnership in such areas as agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation and technology, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supply chains, and infrastructure.”
Marcos is set to meet with legislators, as well as major US companies and business groups to promote the Philippines as a trading market and investment spot.
He is also set to speak at a think tank in Washington D.C.
DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said there will be a “heavy emphasis in terms of the economic agenda” during this trip.
Similar to his previous overseas activities, the chief executive will also meet with the Filipino community in the US capital.
‘Sea of peace’
As for the situation in the West Philippine Sea, Daza said Marcos will count on the US in terms of maritime ties, as well as in upholding international law and freedom of navigation and overflight and in promoting sustainable development of marine resources.
“[The] President has always been consistent in saying that we will uphold our sovereignty and safeguard our sovereign rights and interest in the South China [Sea] and we will do this through diplomacy, military’s law enforcement, and public diplomacy action,” said the official.
On April 23, Chinese coast guard ships “exhibited aggressive tactics” towards BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo in Ayungin Shoal based on the Philippine Coast Guard’s report.
READ MORE: DFA: China’s interference with PH patrol ‘inconsistent with freedom of navigation’
The PCG also reported the sighting of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
Daza said the President may also mention in his visit that they are “looking at great partners including the United States to calm the waters.”
“Because as I earlier said, we want the waters to be a sea of peace. We are also very wary of possible miscalculations or further escalation of tensions in the region,” Daza said.
