President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets US President Donald Trump at the White House during his official visit in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)
President Marcos has expressed hope for United States President Donald Trump's attendance in the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, hosted by the Philippines this year.
Marcos conveyed his hope of welcoming Trump to Manila during his speech at the presentation of the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US on Monday, Feb. 9.
"As we mark this milestone year, I would also like to highlight the Philippines' ongoing Chairship of ASEAN this year," he said.
"We look forward to continued support for ASEAN community building, in particular from the United States, through our comprehensive strategic partnership, and we hope to welcome President Trump once again in Manila for the ASEAN Summit later this year," he added.
In his speech, the President also said that he is confident that the Philippines-US alliance will become stronger and more committed to upholding regional security and prosperity.
"From opposite sides of the Pacific, our two countries have bridged distance and differences, guided by our shared history and our common advocacies," he said.
"I am confident that this alliance will move forward with even greater conviction and commitment to the security, prosperity, and resilience of our peoples and of our region," he added.
The Chief Executive also lauded the US-Philippines Society for its pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations and facilitating new and dynamic linkages between the two nations.
He acknowledged the visionaries from both sides who advanced liberty, equality, and justice – the values that continue to guide the two nations.
“We honor their legacy today and reaffirm our commitment to uphold these principles alongside the United States for the next 80 years and beyond,” the President said.
Marcos likewise highlighted the broad cooperation between the two countries, which covers areas of defense, maritime security, law enforcement, trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport, labor, health, education, disaster response, tourism and culture, and addressing domestic, regional, and international challenges.
"More importantly, we seize opportunities through bilateral, unilateral, and multilateral channels, while expanding our partnership into new frontiers such as cyber and outer space," he said.