Marcos Jr. Visits Pentagon to Bolster U.S.-Philippines Defense Alliance
Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday received Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting aimed at reaffirming and strengthening the longstanding defense alliance between the two nations.
Addressing reporters ahead of the closed-door talks, Secretary Hegseth emphasized the enduring strength and relevance of the alliance. “Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today. Together, we remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership amid evolving regional and global security challenges.
President Marcos Jr. echoed those sentiments, describing Secretary Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines in March as an “important symbol” of enduring cooperation. “It sent a very clear message about the continuing strength of our partnership,” he stated, adding that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty remains the “cornerstone” of the Philippines’ bilateral relations with the United States, especially in the areas of defense and security.
Later on Monday, President Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His ongoing three-day official visit to Washington, D.C., which began on Sunday, includes high-level discussions with top U.S. officials, culminating in a meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
A major focus of President Marcos Jr.’s visit is trade and economic cooperation. He is expected to advocate for a bilateral trade agreement and to negotiate the removal or revision of a 20% tariff on Philippine exports to the United States, which is slated to take effect on August 1.
The Philippines and the United States are longstanding allies with robust military and economic ties. Their security partnership is anchored in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which commits both nations to mutual defense in case of an armed attack on either party.
President Marcos Jr.’s visit marks another step in reaffirming the two countries’ strategic alignment and shared commitment to regional stability and economic collaboration.
