MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that President Joe Biden’s phone call with presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reflects that the United States has “high regard” for its alliance with the Philippines.
The US president, who contacted Marcos on Thursday, appeared to be the first international leader to personally congratulate the latter on his presumptive victory following the recent elections.
“We welcome the congratulatory messages coming from US President Joseph R. Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. These reflect a very high regard for the alliance and an affirmation of the Philippines’ vibrant democracy as embodied by our recent national elections, which their embassy and some visiting US government officials observed first hand,” the DFA said in a statement dated May 12.
According to the DFA, Marcos and Biden both vowed to working together to further strengthen the Philippine-US alliance and broaden their cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern.
The US intends to focus on post-pandemic recovery, resolving the climate crisis, fostering broad-based economic growth, and human rights as areas of collaboration.
