Marcos cites US role in nurturing strong, peaceful Indo-Pacific

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday highlighted the importance of the United States’ presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the Manila Strategy Forum in Pasay City, Marcos said there are "big changes" happening in the Indo-Pacific following decades of globalization and the upward mobility of Asian societies.

He said these positive transformations are largely derived from decades of what has been called Pax Americana and the creative forces of the American private sector, the cultural and educational reach of American institutions and their people, and the compelling vision of the American dream. 

“But the road is turning, and I want to deliver this clear message to the United States: the place of the United States is here with us in the Indo-Pacific,” Marcos said. 

“It will be crucial to the free and open nature of our region that your vigor, inventiveness, and resilience, essential drivers of the great American nation, continue to play a leading role in nurturing a strong and peaceful Indo-Pacific,” he added. 

The Philippines remains confident that the US will continue to be oriented and committed to the Indo-Pacific, Marcos said. 

Marcos also said he believes that the Indo-Pacific remains the "most consequential region" in the world.

“It is only fitting that key security forums are centered in this part of the world,” Marcos said. 

“In this light, we can see the strategic value of our relationship with the United States and its increasing significance in the region,” he added.  — VBL, GMA Integrated News