President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the Philippines in 2026 to attend meetings related to the 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to be chaired by Manila.

President Marcos noted that the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit will also mark the commemoration of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Manila and Washington and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“I look forward to hosting President Trump next year to attend the ASEAN meetings under the Philippines’ chair, which also coincides with the commemoration of our 80th year of diplomatic ties and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty,” the President said in his arrival statement after a three-day official visit to the United States.

Highlighting the significance of the country’s alliance with the United States, President Marcos emphasized the importance of his recent meeting with the U.S. President.

“The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally, and my visit to meet the new President is important in advancing our historic and dynamic cooperation, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests,” President Marcos said.

The President underscored the strength of the Philippine-U.S. alliance in maintaining regional stability.

President Marcos said his recent visit reaffirmed the two nations’ “ironclad commitment” to the MDT of 1951, which he described as a cornerstone of Philippine security policy. | PND