NEW JERSEY, USA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is confident that the Philippines and the United States will enjoy stronger ties under his watch.
Marcos said this during this meeting with members of the Filipino community here in New Jersey, his first engagement in his working visit to the US.
In his speech, the President said the Philippines' bilateral alliance with the United States is an important policy.
"Our relations with the United States remain strong and I believe we will make them stronger in the coming years," he said Sunday afternoon, New Jersey time.
The Philippines and the US are sharing long-standing ties built on strong political and cultural linkages. However, Marcos' predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, pivoted the country's foreign policy and focused on building stronger ties with China and Russia.
President Marcos is in the United States to attend the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He will deliver a speech at the High-Level General Debate on Tuesday afternoon, September 20 (New York time).
According to the President, his trip to the US is more than his participation at the UNGA.
"Habang nandito ako (While I'm here), we will be working hard to get other things done for the country besides addressing the UN General Assembly," he said.
"I will share our views on a number of global concerns and the role the Philippines will play as a responsible member of the family of nations in addressing these concerns," he added.
President Marcos said he hopes to meet with his fellow world leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA, including US President Joseph Biden. The Philippine Embassy in Washington is still working out the two leaders' meeting.
In addition, Marcos said he would meet potential investors and other business leaders during his trip.
"Para paahunin nga natin, para pasiglahin natin ang ekonomiya na makapag-invest at ‘pag nag-invest mayroong bagong negosyo. Kapag may bagong negosyo, may trabaho (So we can revive and revitalize our economy so they will invest on us. New investments mean new businesses which would mean more jobs)," he said.
More bilateral and business meetings await the President on September 20 to 22. This includes roundtable discussions with business leaders from different industries, such as garments, information technology, and digital infrastructure.
Marcos will be the first Philippine president to speak at the UNGA since then President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III did so in 2010. He will also be the first leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deliver their statement at the High-Level General Debate.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Marcos will discuss his administration's priorities at the UNGA, such as climate change, the rule of law, and food security.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos' speech at the UNGA will emphasize his administration's objective, which is to ensure economic recovery and growth.