President Marcos, Trump to tackle closer economic, defense ties – DFA

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will work on closer economic, defense and security cooperation with the US during his meeting with US President Trump in Washington next week, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Marcos’ US visit from July 20 to 22 was upon the invitation of Trump, according to DFA Assistant Secretary for American affairs Raquel Solano.

Marcos is the first head of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be invited to visit the US and to hold a meeting with Trump since the latter took office earlier this year, she noted.

“I would surmise that since we have a long-standing treaty, alliance with the United States and we have special history with the US, that is something that is not totally surprising. So, I would think that the invitation for the President to visit is an affirmation of the regard that the Unites States has for the Philippines,” Solano explained.

Marcos is scheduled to arrive in Washington in the afternoon of July 20 and is expected to be briefed by his Cabinet secretaries on the agenda of his meetings, Solano said.

Among those joining the President were Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Communications Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Marcos will hold separate meetings with US State Secretary Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21.

In the morning of July 22, Marcos will meet Trump at the White House, where they are expected to tackle “closer cooperation in economic, defense and security matters of common interest.”

Solano said the purpose of Marcos’ US visit, his fifth to the country since assuming office in 2022, is to further strengthen the Philippines-US alliance and “to proactively engage the US in all aspect of the relations and seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation.”

“We will continue to underscore that for the Philippines to be a truly strong partner for the United States, we need to be stronger economically as well,” Solano said at a Palace press briefing.

“The two Presidents are also expected to discuss regional and international issues of common concern and how to further strengthen people-to-people ties,” she said.

Asked whether the West Philippine Sea issue will be discussed during the two leaders’ meeting, Solano said since there is going to be an exchange of views on regional issues and concerns “ultimately, this issue on the West Philippine Sea would be discussed.”

The Philippines is hoping to secure the assistance of the US government in enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard in terms of capabilities, the official added.

On the 20 percent tariff imposed by the US on Philippine goods, Solano said the Philippines is hoping to arrive at a bilateral deal on the reciprocal trade that is “mutually acceptable, mutually beneficial for both our countries.”

She said a delegation from the Philippines, composed of trade officials, is currently in Washington conducting negotiations on the matter.

“As you are all aware, the President’s official visit also aims to address the US tariff proposed to be levied on Philippine exports,” Solano said.

Solano said the President is also expected to meet several American business leaders during his short visit to Washington.