Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28)— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to promote the Philippines’ economic agenda, boost cooperation in various sectors, and raise security issues during his trip to the United States next week, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Marcos will be in the US from April 30 to May 4 — an official visit which seeks to reaffirm ties between Manila and Washington, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters on Friday.
Here’s what to expect from Marcos’ second visit to America:
Meeting with Biden, key US officials
The White House first announced that Marcos will sit down with Biden for their second round of bilateral talks on May 1, where the American leader is expected to reaffirm the US’ commitment \”to the defense of the Philippines.\”
Aside from Biden, Marcos will also hold an \”expanded meeting\” with key Cabinet officials and legislators, Daza said.
Focus on economic agenda
The chief executive is expected to tackle a range of topics during his discussions — including agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation and technology, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, supply chains, and infrastructure.
But Daza noted that this particular trip will place an emphasis on economic matters.
\”He will also meet with different companies where he will actually be able to promote the Philippines, both as a trading partner, as well as investment market,\” the DFA official said.
\”So there will be a lot of opportunities during the time that the president is in Washington, D.C. And I think he will cover various aspects of the relations.\”
Security, defense topics
Daza also said discussions on security and defense are a given.
Asked how the president plans to raise issues on the South China Sea with US officials, Daza said Marcos will continue to promote Philippine interests: \”I cannot preempt, [but] the president will underscore what we want the waters to be. And we want the waters, particularly the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, to be a sea of peace, security, stability, and prosperity.\”
\”So I will be safe to assume that he will also count on the US to actually support Philippine efforts in terms of enhancing maritime cooperation, upholding international law and freedom of navigation and overflight, and promoting sustainable development of marine resources,\” she added.
Meetings with business leaders, Filipino community
To cap off his visit, the president will speak to major US companies and top business leaders.
He is also scheduled to deliver a \”major policy speech\” before a think tank in Washington, but details about this engagement have yet to be divulged.
