The official is here to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers Meetings and Related Meetings.
On Wednesday, July 22, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Malacañang for the latter’s courtesy call — which also coincides with the American official’s first visit to the country.
During which, they agreed to further strengthen the Philippines-US collaboration on various areas of mutual interest to effectively respond to current and emerging challenges.
“I’m very glad, as I mentioned to you, we watch the news and we are surprised that you are still able to find time to visit with us,” said the President.
The Palace dislcosed that the issues mentioned by the President to Rubio as areas of cooperation are concerted effort to respond to the effects of the Middle East conflict, new and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), defense and security, as well as economic cooperation.
Marcos also stated that the Philippines and the US can also further their ties by addressing various issues such as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, trade and business cooperation, and disaster response.
The Philippine Chief Executive was also quoted to have said that the country is in “interesting times,” noting the simultaneous disputes around the world including the West Philippine Sea, the US-Iran War in the Middle East, and the Russia-Ukraine War in Europe.
Rubio, for his part, thanked President Marcos for welcoming him. He also congratulated the President the country’s hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit.
“This is a country that has deep ties to the United States for many, many years. And it’s a partnership that is only growing. And in light of recent events, I think more important than ever,” said the US Secretary of State. “And so we’re glad to be with you here today and to reaffirm that relationship and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippines relationship.”
Meanwhile, as the two countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of their alliance, President Marcos expressed appreciation for the dynamic support of President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio for the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and the United States.
The Philippines and the U.S. formally established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946 and is the Philippines’ oldest and only treaty ally.
Bilateral defense and security engagement are also part of the alliance such as the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Visiting Forces Agreement (VEA), Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
In terms of trade, the U.S. is the Philippines’ third largest trading partner, top export market, and fifth largest import supplier as of 2025. It is also the Philippines major source of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Regionally, the U.S. has also been an ASEAN Dialogue Partner since 1977 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner since 2022.