Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the Malacañan Palace in Manila on July 22 to discuss ongoing cooperation and regional issues.
During the meeting, President Marcos welcomed Secretary Rubio and acknowledged his busy schedule. “(Inaudible) welcome you to the Malacañan Palace in Manila. (Inaudible) and we know that you have a very, very busy schedule, a lot of important things you are doing, that you have found the time for this (inaudible), especially as (inaudible) chair of ASEAN. I really appreciate (inaudible) many issues that (inaudible). I’m very glad, as I mentioned to you, we watch the news and so we were surprised that you are still able to find time to visit with us (inaudible). Thank you very much (inaudible),” Marcos said.
Rubio thanked President Marcos for his hospitality and commended him on hosting an important conference in Manila. “Well, thank you for welcoming me, first of all, and to congratulate you on the great job hosting this conference, which, in addition to being so critically important for the region, provides us the opportunity to interact with so many countries,” Rubio said.
Rubio also highlighted recent developments between both countries and noted their longstanding partnership. “It’s also important to be here I think just two weeks into our new ambassador here, who I know is going to do a great job. And Mr. President, thank you for welcoming us. And obviously, in addition to visiting here for the conference, we wanted to visit with you. You know how much the President holds you in high esteem; you had a very positive meeting last year in Washington,” he said.
He added, “And this is a country that has deep ties to the United States in many ways and it’s a partnership that is only growing, and in light of recent events it’s become more important than ever. And so we’re glad to be with you today and to reaffirm that relationship and our commitment to the U.S. and Philippines’ relationship.”