Metro Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. hopes his trip to the United States will be a fruitful one as he plans to meet with world leaders and investors.
Marcos addressed the Filipino community in New Jersey on Monday morning (Philippine time) hours after he landed in the United States, his third overseas trip since assuming office in June.
He said he hopes to meet US President Joe Biden and other world leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during his working visit. The chief executive added his team requested for a meeting with Biden during the event to ensure they can have a conversation on the side.
Both presidents will be addressing the assembly on Sept. 20, the first day of the high-level United Nations General Debate.
“Sabi ko pagkakataon na natin at hindi nila mapupuntahan sa kanilang bansa kaya dito na natin sila kakausapin,” he said. “Our relations with US remain strong and I believe we’ll make them stronger in the coming years.”
[Translation: We may not have a chance to visit their countries, so let’s try to talk to them here.]
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez told CNN Philippines’ The Source last week that Marcos is expected to meet at least six world leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during his trip set from Sept. 18 to 24.
Marcos did not reveal specific talk points for his inaugural engagement with the UN, but he said he will let the world leaders know the Philippines’ stand on global issues and its role in addressing the problems during the 77th session of the UNGA.
The President said his trip will also include meetings with business leaders who can potentially invest in the Philippines, especially as the country slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. He added he will be explaining the reforms carried out by his administration to encourage them to bring their businesses to the country.
