President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he plans to talk to US President Joe Biden about reevaluating the military cooperation agreements between the Philippines and the United States during his visit to Washington D.C. next week.
The President will be in the US from 30 April to 4 May for his second working visit there since he assumed office.
Mr. Marcos said the geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere was becoming more intense, with countries issuing powerful declarations.
He stressed there was a need for the treaty agreements between the Philippines and the US to evolve, especially amid the prevailing dynamics in the region.
The Chief Executive said they will talk about their military collaboration and alliance and explore ways to reduce tensions in the region.
Given the current circumstances, Marcos said he and Biden would examine how the military partnership between the two countries could be further developed.
“We will also review our VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) and the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty). We need to adapt and adjust them because there are changes in the situation we are facing in the South China Sea and amid the events in Taiwan and North Korea, all of which are increasing tensions in our region,” the President said.
“(We will also discuss what) we can do to lessen the rhetoric because of the heated exchanges happening now, of course, we are also concerned about that,” he added.
Marcos said he also intends to request for multiple aid packages from the United States, including in connection with climate change, because everyone is still recovering from the pandemic.
He said the trip would also allow the Philippines to build up its network and secure new partnerships in the US.
“Let us clarify the treaty agreements between the Philippines and America again. What we will examine, due to numerous changes, is climate change. We will seek assistance in determining what can be done, what strategies can be used,” the President said.
“We will also explore new partnerships and technologies that they can bring to the Philippines and use for our benefit,” Marcos added.
He said his working visit to Washington will be filled with numerous activities. He will be accompanied by members of the Cabinet who will engage their American counterparts in discussions to establish collaborations with the United States.