No doubt, the wide-ranging conversation between the two leaders touched on issues that lie at the core of bilateral ties, which are founded on shared democratic values, and a common commitment to peace, progress and prosperity
If there’s one thing the just-concluded four-day official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the United States has achieved, it is to bring longstanding bilateral relations to a new and higher level.
In their brief meeting on May 1 in the White House in Washington D.C. on May 1, Marcos and US President Joe Biden managed to discuss a broad range of key issues: security cooperation and humanitarian aid; clean energy and food security; environmental protection and the fight against climate change; the rule of law and human rights.
In a joint statement, the two leaders lauded the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the U.S.-Philippines alliance.”
“In efforts to promote inclusive and broad-based prosperity, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, uphold international peace and stability, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, the United States and the Philippines will remain the closest of allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackle the emerging challenges of the twenty-first century,” they said.
The two leaders welcomed the identification of new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), as this would “strengthen Philippine security and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization goals, while driving US investment to local communities across the Philippines and improving our shared ability to rapidly deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, the two leaders underscored their “unwavering commitment” to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law.
Marcos and Biden said they support the inherent right of Filipino fisherfolk to pursue their traditional livelihoods in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) based on the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Arbitral Tribunal constituted pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They also affirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which they said is an “indispensable element of global security and prosperity.”
Both leaders also affirmed their support for Ukraine in its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, “noting the conflict (with Russia) has adversely affected food and energy security in the Indo-Pacific.”
Biden had earlier indicated he would send a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines to enhance American investments in our country’s innovation economy, transition to clean energy, support for the critical minerals sector, and food security for Filipinos.
The two leaders also announced the Philippines and the US will co-host the 2024 Indo-Pacific Business Forum, touted as the “marquee commercial event in the region.”
It will be held in Manila to further establish the Philippines as a key hub for regional supply chains and high-quality investment.
Both leaders likewise resolved to expand cooperation on environmental protection, including enhanced domain awareness, marine conservation, and preventing coastal areas from environmental degradation.
Marcos and Biden pledged to promote increased cooperation and knowledge sharing between the United States and the Philippines through the Science and Technology Agreement.
They also welcomed US plans to establish an Open-RAN Interoperability Lab in Manila.
The leaders welcomed the creation of a bilateral Labor Working Group as part of the US-Philippines Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, which would provide a crucial opportunity for the two countries to “work together on implementation of internationally recognized labor rights,” and to facilitate exchange and dialogue among the US and Philippine governments and labor unions, as well as employer organizations.
Finally, the two presidents highlighted the need to strengthen democratic institutions, rule of law, and respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, press, and association.
They also underscored the importance of countering any form of violence against civil society, women, children, and marginalized groups.
No doubt, the wide-ranging conversation between the two leaders touched on issues that lie at the core of bilateral ties, which are founded on shared democratic values, and a common commitment to peace, progress and prosperity.
Much more than bringing Philippines-US ‘special relations’ to much higher levels of partnership, the US official visit and the Marcos-Biden meeting tell us very clearly that the way forward lies in close cooperation based on common interests and mutual respect. [Next: Strengthening partnership across various sectors]
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