US President Joseph Biden on Monday said he will send a “first of its kind” presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines.
Biden made the remark following his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington.
The US leader noted Manila and Washington’s “strong partnership” and “deep friendship, one that has been enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the communities all across the United States.”
Biden also committed to step up America’s support in a wide range of issues, including climate change mitigation and economy.
“We’re tackling climate change, we’re accelerating our countries’ chances… and we’re standing up for our shared democratic values and workers’ rights… and together we’re deepening our economic cooperation,” Biden told Marcos.
The Philippine leader thanked Biden for America’s assistance and sought to strengthen “alliances and partnership in the face of the new economy that we are facing post-pandemic.”
Monday’s Oval Office meeting also included discussions on security, education, and other initiatives as part of Marcos’ five-day official visit to Washington.
Philippine cabinet officials with their US counterparts also held a meeting with Marcos and Biden in an expanded bilateral meeting in the White House.
Among the Philippine officials who attended the expanded bilateral meeting include National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano; Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.; Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga; Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual; Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy; Justice Secretary Jesus Crisoin Remulla; Migrant Workers Department Secretary Maria Susana “Toots” Ople and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Marcos and Biden earlier met on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last September 2022 in New York, where they renewed their commitment to the alliance and partnership and agreed to firm up cooperation in priority sectors, as well as their respective visits to the Philippines and the U.S.
The Philippine leader is also set to visit the Pentagon, meet Cabinet executives and business leaders during his stay in Washington. (PND)