Marcos welcomes Rubio for ASEAN ministerial meetings in Manila

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Malacañang ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meetings in Manila.

“There really are many issues that have to be dealt with, and I’m glad that you have this opportunity to at least engage and have some exchanges with the other foreign secretaries, foreign ministers, especially coming out of ASEAN,” Marcos told Rubio during a courtesy call.

Rubio, for his part, said his meeting with Marcos reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Manila and Washington.

“We had a positive meeting last year in Washington. This is a country with deep ties with the United States for many, many years. It’s a partnership that is only growing and, in light of recent events, I think more important than ever," Rubio said.

"So we are glad to be with you for today to reaffirm that relationship and our commitment to the US-Philippines relationship,” he added.

The Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings from July 18 to 24.

The US Embassy earlier said Rubio’s visit would underscore US support for “a free and open Indo-Pacific that delivers safety, security, and prosperity for the region and for the American people.”

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said the discussions between Marcos and Rubio highlighted the Philippines’ strong network of allies and partners.

“It’s interesting times in the sense that there’s so much of these things that are happening and hopefully the partnerships that we’ve had, not only with the United States but other countries as well, will be a source of comfort for us that we have a lot of allies and friends and partners all over the world,” Romualdez told reporters.

Asked whether China was discussed during the meeting, Romualdez said the issue came up “just in passing.”

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also said Marcos and Rubio discussed artificial intelligence and the possibility of greater cooperation between the Philippines and the US in the sector.

“Napag-usapan rin ang kahalagahan ng AI ngayon at sa susunod na henerasyon, pati ang maaaring partnership ng dalawang bansa para sa pag-develop nito sa ating bansa para sa magandang investment, maraming trabaho at magpapaunlad ng ating kaalaman sa larangan ng AI,” Castro said in a statement.

(The importance of AI today and for the next generation was also discussed, as well as a possible partnership between the two countries to develop the sector in the Philippines, attract investments, create more jobs, and advance our knowledge in the field of AI.) — MCG, GMA News