Biden to Marcos: 'I can't think of any better partner than you'
By Betheena Unite and Betheena Unite
WASHINGTON, D.C.
—Echoing President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., United States (US) President Joe Biden agreed that the relationship of the US and Philippines must continue to evolve.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden walk side by side going to the Oval Office inside the White House in Washington D.C. on May 1, 2023. (KJ Rosales/PPA POOL)
In his opening statement at their bilateral meeting, Biden said he believed that both countries' relationship has to evolve as they continue to face new challenges. "I’m using your phrase — 'to evolve as we face the challenges of this new century.' And we are facing new challenges. And I can’t think of any better partner to have than you," Biden told Marcos during their meeting on Monday afternoon here, May 1 (US time). "I couldn’t agree more that we have to. This relationship has to continue to evolve," he added. Biden was referring to what Marcos told him when they met in New York on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last September 2022. The US President said they must continue to put emphasis on their climate change efforts, accelerate both countries’ transition to clean energy, and to stand up for their shared democratic values and workers’ rights and the rule of law. "And together, we’re deepening our economic cooperation, which is going to continue to deepen and I think is mutually beneficial," Biden said. "And the United States remains ironclad in our commitment to the defense of the Philippines, including the South China Sea, and we’re going to continue to support the Philippines’ military modernization goals," he added. Biden stressed that both countries not only share a strong partnership, but a deep friendship — "one that has been enriched by millions of Filipino Americans in the communities all across the United States of America."
WATCH: In their opening statements, President Marcos said the Philippines looks to strengthen and redefine the relationship it has with the US amid geopolitical tensions. President Biden also affirmed the "ironclad" US-PH ties. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/pbPAyxDUE5
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) May 1, 2023