By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday Sept. 19, that the United States (US) will continue to have a strong alliance with the Philippines.
During his speech with the Filipino community in New Jersey, Marcos expressed confidence that the country will continue to build stronger ties with the US in the future.
“Our bilateral alliance with the United States is possibly as important policy as there is in the Philippines. Our relations with the United States remain strong, and I believe we will make them stronger in the coming years,” he said.
Marcos said that his team had already requested a meeting with US President Joe Biden during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to discuss goals and partnerships.
“Napunta sila rito (UNGA), ay sabi ko pagkakataon na natin at hindi natin sila mapupuntahan sa kanilang bansa, [kaya] dito na natin silan kakausapin,” he said.
Marcos will also meet other global leaders and key UN officials at the sidelines of the UNGA.
“So aside from President Biden, I think we will be able to meet with some other heads of state and, as I said, some heads of big companies,” he continued.
Marcos is the first President of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to deliver his statement at the high-level general debate.
He is also hopeful to encourage foreign investors and businesses to invest in the Philippines.
“So besides the meetings with the political leadership, it will also be for potential investors, other business leaders dahil gusto natin para paahunin nga natin, para pasiglahin natin ang ekonomiya na makapag-invest at ‘pag nag-invest mayroong bagong negosyo. Kapag may bagong negosyo, may trabaho,” the President said. –ag
