Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during the visit of Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila on March 1, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)
WASHINGTON – Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr said his meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday was essential in advancing his country's national interest and strengthening the "very important alliance" between Manila and Washington.
Before leaving for his four-day official visit to Washington, Marcos said on Sunday he would convey to Biden his determination to forge "an even stronger relationship" with the United States to "address the concerns of our times," including issues related to the economy.
"During this visit, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region, and for that matter for the rest of the world," said Marcos, the son of the late strongman whom Washington helped flee into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 'people power' uprising.
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Marcos' official visit to Washington is the first by a Philippine president in more than 10 years.
A senior US administration official said that as part of moves to boost commercial ties, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would a lead a presidential business delegation to the Philippines.