Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, D.C.
May 4, 2023

“I daresay that in a similar vein, the future of the United States will hold more promise if the U.S. works more closely – hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, in lockstep – with the Philippines,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed as he delivered a policy speech during the CSIS ASEAN Leadership Forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

More than 10 years since a Philippine President last visited the United States, the Chief Executive noted that what truly binds the two countries in their almost 72-year-old treaty alliance is the shared values and commitment to mutual prosperity.

“Our two countries are drawn to each other because we recognize that in order to achieve our common goal of peace and prosperity for our peoples, we need to work with likeminded partners,” he said, noting that in the past 20 months, both countries have seen a steady exchange of official engagements at all levels of government.

“It is for this reason that I called for evolving our alliance – to make it more responsive to present and emerging challenges. It is because national security is no longer simply about territorial defense. Economic security is national security,” he added.

In the same event, the President highlighted the Philippines’ economic gains and strong macroeconomic fundamentals that both countries can take advantage in forging closer economic ties and ensure that bilateral partnership works for the Filipino and American peoples.

“The United States consistently ranks amongst our top three trading partners and top ten sources of foreign direct investments. We are proud that many U.S. companies including those in the Fortune 500 have found a home in the Philippines, and hope that more companies would look to us as they diversify and reconfigure their supply chains,” he stated, emphasizing that a successful bilateral partnership that works for the peoples will eventually attract the support needed for a thriving and mutually reinforcing alliance and friendship into the 21st century,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.

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