Metro Manila — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet with his American counterpart Joe Biden in Washington on May 1 for their second bilateral talks, the White House said.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre disclosed in a statement Thursday that during the meeting, Biden is expected to “reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines.”
Earlier, the two nations issued a joint statement following their 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, where they expressed strong objections to China’s “unlawful maritime claims” and other aggression in the disputed waters.
In addition to boosting security relations, the White House press secretary said the meeting would also involve discussions on strengthening “economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations’ special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, and ensure respect for human rights.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Marcos’ meeting with Biden in a separate statement.
It noted that Marcos will travel to Washington from April 30 to May 4 on an official visit.
“The visit will reaffirm the bonds of friendship that give definition and significance to the many facets of the bilateral relationship, underpinned by the close affinity shared by Filipinos and Americans alike for many years,” it said.
“It will substantively progress efforts to further deepen relations and political ties, to bring about lasting socio-economic partnerships, as well as to enhance defense and security cooperation,” the DFA added.
The department said the US continues to be the country’s “major bilateral trade and official development assistance partner.”
