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Marcos to discuss economic, security issues with Trump during US visit

Marcos to discuss economic, security issues with Trump during US visit

Provided by INQUIRER.net.

Marcos, Trump to meet ‘in a few days’–Rubio
US President Donald Trump (L) and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. | PHOTOS: Official Facebook pages of Donald Trump and Bongbong Marcos.



[Updated July 18, 2025, 2:43 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States President Donald Trump are set to discuss cooperation on economic, defense, and security matters of mutual interest during Marcos’ upcoming trip to Washington, DC.

At a briefing in Malacañang on Friday, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Raquel Solano said Marcos’ visit would include a bilateral meeting with Trump, as well as meetings with business leaders who are already in the process of investing in the Philippines.

“During the visit, the two leaders will discuss closer cooperation in economic, defense, and security matters of common interest. As you are all aware, the President’s official visit also aims to address the US tariff proposed to be levied on Philippine exports,” she said.



READ: Philippine exports to America face 20% Trump tariff

There will also be an exchange of views on regional issues and concerns, including issues in the West Philippine Sea.

“As to the possible agreements, we’re hoping to secure the assistance or support of the US government in enhancing the capabilities of our AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and coast guard,” said Solano.

She noted that Marcos is the first head of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be invited to visit the US and hold a meeting with Trump.

Marcos, meanwhile, is also set to invite Trump to attend the East Asia Summit in 2026, which will be held in Manila.

“Coincidentally, our two countries will mark 80 years of our diplomatic relations and 75 years of the alliance next year and it will be an auspicious time for President Trump to come to Manila,” Solano said.

The President is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the US to meet with President Trump from July 20 to 22.

Upon his arrival in Washington on the 20th, Marcos will be briefed by his Cabinet secretaries on the agenda for the meetings.

The cabinet secretaries included in Marcos’ delegation are Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Secretary of Trade and Investments Christina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go and Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Marcos will not meet with the Filipino community in Washington due to the limited duration of his trip, according to Solano. /das /mr

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AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


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