WASHINGTON, D.C. - Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to meet United States President Joe Biden next month in Washington, D.C., as part of efforts to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries, the Malacañang announced Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting between Marcos and Biden will occur alongside a trilateral summit involving Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida scheduled for April 11. The discussions aim to acknowledge and build upon the significant advancements in Philippines-United States relations, emphasizing a mutual commitment to further strengthen the alliance.
This forthcoming visit by President Marcos to the U.S. follows recent diplomatic engagements, including visits to the Philippines by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and the first U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Earlier on Tuesday, the White House disclosed its plans to host the first-ever U.S. trilateral summit with the Philippines and Japan, underscoring the strategic importance of the three nations' defense, security, and economic ties. The DFA has expressed that this summit represents a crucial moment to reaffirm the strong alliances and strategic partnerships between the Philippines and the United States, as well as between the Philippines and Japan.
Furthermore, the DFA indicated that the trilateral meeting is seen as a natural extension of the Philippines' historical and robust connections with the U.S. and Japan, aiming to boost coordination and cooperation in areas of common interest.
President Marcos, alongside President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida, is expected to discuss a broad range of issues during the summit. Topics on the agenda include maritime cooperation, infrastructure development, economic resilience, trade, and investments, along with other significant areas such as clean energy, climate action, cybersecurity, and the digital economy.