President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is looking forward to continued support from the United States for Southeast Asian regional community building and expressed hope that US President Donald Trump will visit Manila for the ASEAN Summit later this year.
Speaking during the presentation of the 80th anniversary logo of US-Philippine relations at Malacañan Palace on Monday, Marcos said Manila expects Washington to play a key role in advancing regional cooperation as the Philippines chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
“We look forward to continued support for ASEAN community building, in particular from the United States through our comprehensive strategic partnership, and we hope to welcome President Trump once again in Manila for the ASEAN Summit later this year,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President is also expected to travel next month to New York for a working visit to the United States, where he will deliver a message at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Mr. Marcos said the milestone anniversary highlights the strength of the Philippines-US alliance.
He described it as broad and comprehensive, covering defense, maritime security, law enforcement, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, health, education, disaster response, and emerging areas such as cyber and outer space.
He noted that the anniversary coincides with the 75th year of the Philippine–US Mutual Defense Treaty, which continues to guide defense and security relations between the two allies.
Mr. Marcos also recalled his visit to the White House last year at the invitation of Trump during the latter’s second term, saying the engagement gave renewed momentum to high-level exchanges and reaffirmed the foundations of the alliance.
A series of activities will be held throughout the year to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations, highlighting “eight decades of shared history and cooperation,” the President said.
The logo presentation, held at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace, was attended by Cabinet officials, diplomats, and representatives of the US-Philippine Society.
Marcos said he is confident the Philippines–US alliance will continue to strengthen in support of regional peace, security, and prosperity, particularly within ASEAN, as Manila hosts key regional meetings later this year.
