By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Within eight decades of exchanges between the Philippines and the United States lies a storied tale of mutual trust and respect that has transcended generations and continues to flourish to this day.
It was in this spirit of camaraderie that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the latter’s courtesy call at Malacañang on Wednesday.
In his remarks, the President expressed his gratitude to Rubio for making time to visit the Philippines despite a packed schedule.
“I’m glad that you have had this opportunity to at least engage and have some exchanges with the other foreign secretaries, with other foreign ministers, especially coming out of ASEAN.”
In response, Rubio reciprocated by saying, “We’re glad to be with you here today and to reaffirm that relationship and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippines relationship.”
During a high-level meeting with Rubio and other U.S. diplomats, President Marcos Jr. brought into focus areas of cooperation aligned with modern-day challenges such as the persisting Middle East conflict, rise of artificial intelligence (AI), defense and security, and economic cooperation.
Bilateral trade also became a focal point in the discussions between both parties, with the U.S. serving as the Philippines’ third largest trading partner, top export market, and fifth largest import supplier as of 2025.
Rubio is in Manila to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers Meetings and Related Meetings, which would focus on various issues such as developments in the Indo-Pacific region, multilateral trade, and disaster response.
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