MANILA (UPDATED)— US President Joe Biden will host President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Washington for a bilateral meeting next month, the White House has said.

In a statement on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the purpose of the Philippine leader's visit on May 1 includes Biden reaffirming the United States’ "ironclad commitment to the defense" of the country.

It can be remembered that recently, Marcos, Jr. access the United States to access 4 more sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), drawing the ire of China.

• Marcos says EDCA sites won't be used for offensive attacks

"The leaders will discuss efforts to strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Philippines alliance," Jean-Pierre said.

"The two leaders will review opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations’ special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, and ensure respect for human rights," she added.

• Marcos set to visit US 'at least' twice in 2023 - envoy

Marcos and Biden will also tackle "regional matters" as well as arrange efforts that will uphold international law.

US Embassy in the Philippines Press Attaché Kanishka Gangopadhyay said Marcos, Jr's trip to the US can be considered an official working visit.

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MARCOS TO ADVANCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPS

For its part, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos' official working visit there will be from April 30 to May 4, but it will only start on May 1.

His meeting with Biden will be followed by an "expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials."

"The visit will reaffirm the bonds of friendship that give definition and significance to the many facets of the bilateral relationship, underpinned by the close affinity shared by Filipinos and Americans alike for many years," said the PCO in a statement.

"It will substantively progress efforts to further deepen relations and political ties, to bring about lasting socio-economic partnerships, as well as to enhance defense and security cooperation," it read.

Aside from this, Marcos will also put forward the country's socio-economic and development priorities.

He is also going to seek cooperation in areas of agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation, infrastructure, and disaster relief.

"The United States is a major bilateral trade and official development assistance partner, and maintains a shared commitment with the Philippines for more dynamic economic relations," the statement read.

For his first trip to the US since becoming the country's president, Marcos attended the 77th United Nations General Assembly in September.

During his visit there, Marcos underscored the singular message behind his working trip, which included business-related meetings and an economic briefing: to entice investors and business leaders in the US to invest in the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez earlier said there was a possibility the President will visit the US twice this year.

The bilateral meeting between Biden and Marcos will also come before the latter's expected attendance at the coronation of UK's King Charles on May 6.

• Marcos to attend King Charles III's coronation

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