Study Room, Malacañan Palace
January 14, 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his optimism regarding the enduring relationship between the Philippines and the United States of America during a phone call with outgoing US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos Jr. emphasized the significant progress in bilateral ties across economics, diplomacy and defense, stating, “The progress that we have made is terribly encouraging, and we just hope to build on that.”

Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining strong ties, especially in light of China’s aggressive posture in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Vice President Harris reaffirmed the US commitment to defending the Philippines and highlighted bipartisan support in Congress for strengthening these relations. She also discussed the trilateral cooperation involving Japan which aims to enhance economic collaboration and regional security.

President Marcos Jr. expressed his appreciation for Vice President Harris’s contributions to the partnership, noting how it has evolved to address modern challenges. He reiterated the shared values and commitment to international law that underpin their relationship.

The phone call followed a trilateral virtual meeting with US President Joseph Biden Jr. and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan, further solidifying the collaborative stance in the region.

The Philippines and the US established formal diplomatic relations on 4 July 1946, with the US being the Philippines’ oldest treaty ally. In 2023, the US was the Philippines’ third largest trading partner, marking a strong economic connection alongside defense and security cooperation.

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