MANILA – The call between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President-elect Donald Trump signals the “positive momentum and trajectory” in the two nations’ bilateral ties, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.
In a statement, the agency welcomed the call and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working with the US under the Trump administration to strengthen the overall relations of the two states.
“The United States remains an important ally, partner, and friend to the Philippines. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration in ensuring that Philippine-US relations remain robust and benefit from continuing positive momentum in security and defense cooperation, economic partnership, as well as broader and deeper engagement across other areas of mutual interest,” it said.
Marcos joined world leaders in congratulating Trump on his election in a phone call on November 19.
During the call, the two leaders discussed the deep-rooted alliance between the two states, with Marcos conveying Manila’s “continuing desire to strengthen” the Philippine-US relations.
The call also highlighted the positive role of Filipino-Americans in US society, including in the recent successful and peaceful conduct of US elections.
“It was a very friendly call, very productive. And I am glad that I was able to do it and I think President-elect Trump was also happy to hear from the Philippines,” Marcos said. (PNA)