Marcos leaves for Washington, says he's determined to build ‘even stronger relationship’ with US

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday said he will relay to US President Joe Biden his willingness to forge an even stronger relationship with the superpower country.

Before flying for Washington for a five-day official working visit, Marcos stressed the importance of the trip, saying it is part of the government’s efforts to further reinforce the Philippines’ “already strong bonds” with the US by bringing their alliance into the 21st century.

“My visit to the United States, and more especially, my meeting with President Joe Biden, is essential to advancing our national interest and strengthening that very important alliance,” he said.

“I intend to convey to President Biden and his senior cabinet officials that the President is determined to forge an even stronger relationship with the United States in a wide range of areas that not only address concerns of our times, but also those that are critical to advancing our core interests,” he added.

Marcos earlier said the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement will be among the topics that he will tackle with Biden during his US visit.

The MDT is a 70-year-old accord between the Philippines and the US, which binds Washington to defend Manila from any aggression.

During the visit, Marcos said that the Philippine government will also reaffirm its commitment to fostering a longstanding alliance as an “instrument of peace and as a catalyst of development” in the Asia-Pacific region, and the rest of the world.

He also expects to meet with US business leaders to further promote trade and investment in the Philippines, and explore business opportunities that will help the country’s economy to grow. 

“One of my priorities for this visit is to push for greater economic engagement, particularly through trade and investment, science and technology, and innovation cooperation between the United States and the Philippines,” he said.

Marcos also said he plans on meeting the Filipino community in Washington. —KG, GMA Integrated News