Washington [US], May 2: On May 1 (local time), US President Joe Biden had a summit with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House. The meeting was the focal point of President Marcos Jr.'s trip. to the US in 4 days starting from April 30. Since taking office as President of the Philippines in June 2022, this is the second time President Marcos Jr. meet his counterpart Biden in the US. In September 2022, the two leaders also had a meeting in New York (USA).
Strengthening "important alliances"
Just before departure, Reuters quoted Mr. Marcos Jr. said on April 30 that the meeting with President Biden was necessary to advance the national interests of the Philippines and strengthen the "important alliance" between Manila and Washington. Manila also conveyed its determination to forge "further stronger ties" with Washington to "address the concerns of the times", including economic related issues.
"During this visit, we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing our longstanding alliance as an instrument of peace and a catalyst for development in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as for with the rest of the world," President Marcos Jr. information.
The visit takes place in the context that the two countries are strengthening cooperation, especially in defense and security. In February, Manila agreed to allow the US military access to four additional military bases in the Philippines, as part of the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) announced by the two sides. In addition, the United States, along with the Philippines and Japan, are expected to deploy joint military patrols in the South China Sea.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper
