Washington: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived Sunday for a three-day official visit, aiming to push for a bilateral trade agreement and discuss defense collaboration with US President Donald Trump. Marcos' plane arrived at Joint Base Andrews at 2.48 pm (1848GMT), where he was greeted by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, according to a statement from the Presidential Communications office.

According to Anadolu Agency, Marcos' visit is his fifth to the US and will focus on negotiating the 20% tariff imposed on Philippine exports to the US, which is set to take effect on August 1. "It is my first visit to Washington following the inauguration of President Trump earlier this year," Marcos said before departing from the Philippines, as per another statement from the Presidential Communications office.

Marcos emphasized that this visit and his meeting with Trump are essential for advancing national interests and strengthening alliances. During the visit, the reaffirmation of commitment to fostering long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and a catalyst of development in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world will be a key focus.

Marcos highlighted that his top priority for the visit is to push for greater economic engagement, particularly through trade and investment between the Philippines and the United States. He intends to communicate to Trump and his Cabinet the Philippines' readiness to discuss a bilateral trade agreement aimed at fostering strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented partnerships.

The Philippines, a traditional ally of the US, enjoys strong economic and military ties with the country. Their security partnership is based on the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.