President Marcos is set to embark on an official visit to Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22 at the invitation of United States President Donald Trump.
The trip marks the first time a Southeast Asian head of state will meet with Trump since the American leader returned to power earlier this year.
The trip, confirmed by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano, aims to strengthen the decades-long alliance between the Philippines and the US, with a focus on bolstering economic and defense relations.
“The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the Philippines-US alliance, proactively engage the U.S. on all aspects of relations, and seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation,” Solano said in a press briefing.
Among the key issues on the agenda is the proposed US tariff on Philippine exports, a matter the two leaders are expected to address during their bilateral meeting at the White House on July 22.
The visit also comes ahead of two diplomatic milestones; the 80th anniversary of diplomatic bilateral relations and the 75th year of the formal defense alliance between the two countries next year.
President Marcos will also hold separate meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21.
In addition, several American companies, some of which are already exploring investments in the Philippines, have requested one-on-one sessions with the President.
Solano confirmed that President Marcos has agreed to meet with them, despite his tight schedule.
The Philippine delegation will include top Cabinet officials such as Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Trade Secretary Christina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Acting Press Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
