MANILA, Philippines — According to a political observer, the meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden in New York sends a positive signal about the two countries’ ongoing friendship.
On September 22, the two leaders met on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly to discuss regional and global concerns, as well as measures to deepen bilateral collaboration.
“[B]oth emphasized their strong support for the alliance, as well as their strong support for a multipolar international order based on norms. That indicates the Philippines is strengthening and believing in its connection with the United States and other countries that share its principles “In a statement, Dindo Manhit, president of the Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, said
Stratbase ADR is a non-profit international research organization that conducts in-depth analyses of economic, social, political, and strategic issues affecting the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region.
Manhit feels it is also the reason why both leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
According to a White House press release, Biden and Marcos reviewed the situation in the South China Sea and “emphasized their support for freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as peaceful dispute resolution.”
Apart from the South China Sea, the two leaders discussed energy security, climate action, and infrastructure; Russia-Ukraine conflict and its consequences for energy pricing and food security; Myanmar’s political instability; and human rights.
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in a tweet Friday that the Philippines-US alliance is “strong and enduring.” This is more than simply a statement; it is our resolve to continue strengthening our collaboration with the Philippines in order to achieve our common goals of peace, growth, and prosperity for both Filipinos and Americans.”
