NEW YORK, USA — United States President Joseph Biden is seeking a lengthy discussion on the South China Sea dispute and other issues that greatly concern the Philippines.
Biden said this during his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday morning (New York time).
In his remarks, President Biden said he has already Chinese President Xi Jinping about the issue.
"I expect we'll discuss the South China Sea and disputes in critical global throughway," he said.
I've spent a lot of time with not only the President of China but others about the international waters and how they had to be respected. And we should talk about that long," he added.
Biden said he wanted to strengthen the Philippines and the US alliance.
"One of the things we want to talk about today is how we continue to strengthen it and work together on the things that have the greatest concern to you," he said.
Among these issues are Covid-19 recovery, energy security, renewable energy, and human rights.
"You and I both think that's the future we can do a lot --- we can do a lot together. I'm desperately interested in making sure we do," he said.
"I'm interested to know what's on your mind and how we can continue to strengthen this relationship," he added.
Meanwhile, President Biden thanked the Philippines for its stand on the war in Ukraine and how it has taken a toll on energy and food prices.
"We are working very hard to be able to do something about that," he said.