Marcos: PH, US ‘naturally drawn to each other'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): Marcos: PH, US ‘naturally drawn to each other' (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

POLICY SPEECH. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his policy speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC on Thursday (May 4, 2023). Marcos said Manila and Washington DC have seen a steady exchange of official engagements at all levels of government over the past 20 months. (Photo courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States are “naturally drawn to each other" and are bonded by shared values and commitment to mutual prosperity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday (Friday in Manila).

In a policy speech delivered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, Marcos said Manila and Washington have seen a steady exchange of official engagements at all levels of government over the past 20 months.

These engagements, he said, include his first meeting with US President Joseph Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last year and his ongoing five-day official visit to Washington, DC, the first by a sitting Philippine president to the United States in more than 10 years.

The President said the future of the US would hold more promise if it works "hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, in lockstep" with the Philippines.

“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 like-minded partners," he said.

Marcos said the Philippines is poised to achieve upper-middle income country status in one or two years and is expected to become the 16th largest economy in the world by 2040.

“For more than a hundred million Filipinos, ensuring their economic well-being and uplifting their quality of life has always been the priority of this administration,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippine government is "expanding cooperation in key areas,” such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, manage global security challenges, sustain economic momentum, and secure inclusive development.

He described the CSIS as one of the world’s foremost policy institutions on national security and foreign policy issues, saying it has been a great partner in highlighting the Philippines to its American and international audiences.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200791