Philippine President Visits the United States, Focuses on Strategic Security Cooperation and Trade Tariffs

According to the Philippine News Agency, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos arrived in Washington D.C. on Sunday afternoon local time, starting a three-day official visit. The visit aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States, especially in defense and economic cooperation.

According to AFP, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the afternoon of July 21, local time, followed by a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The report said that President Marcos' visit to the United States was an official invitation from former President Trump, but there is currently no announcement regarding the meeting between the top leaders of the two countries.

According to official Philippine media, President Marcos said before leaving Manila that his visit to the United States will reaffirm the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, strengthen security cooperation, promote trade and investment, and support regional peace and stability.

A key focus is to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, especially considering the recent 20% tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine export products.

President Marcos also stated that he intends to convey to President Trump and his cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement to ensure strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented cooperation.

President Marcos plans to meet with various business leaders in the United States to explore business opportunities to further promote the country's economic development.

The report also said that President Marcos' visit to the United States was an official invitation from Trump, and this visit will further consolidate the bilateral exchanges between the Philippines and the United States since the new leader took office, including meetings between diplomatic officials of the two countries, visits by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to Manila, as well as visits by multiple bipartisan delegations from the U.S. Congress.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838304944104523/

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