MANILA (UPDATED) — US President Joe Biden on Monday said the United States would send a presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines, which he called the "first of its kind."

During his meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House, Biden noted Manila and Washington's “strong partnership” and “deep friendship, one that has been enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the communities all across the United States.”

But the American leader did not elaborate further on the said trade mission.

Last April, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai visited the Philippines and held dialogues with Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma on strengthening the economic partnership between the US and the Philippines.

• US trade envoy visits PH, holds talks with labor, trade execs

Biden also vowed to step up US support in various issues, including climate change mitigation and economy.

“We’re tackling climate change, we’re accelerating our countries’ chances… We’re standing up for our shared democratic values and workers’ rights… and together, we’re deepening our economic cooperation,” Biden told Marcos.

He also said he could not think of a better partner than the Philippines.

“Our countries not only share strong partnership. We share deep friendship, one that has been enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the communities all across the United States,” Biden said.

• Biden says he could not think of better partner for the US than the Philippines

“In efforts to promote inclusive and broad-based prosperity, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, uphold international peace and stability, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, the United States and the Philippines will remain the closest of allies, working together to deliver a better future for our citizens and tackle the emerging challenges of the twenty-first century,” the joint statement from the two leaders read.

Marcos thanked Biden for US assistance, saying the Philippines was looking to strengthen ties "in the face of the new economy that we are facing post-pandemic.”

The two leaders also tackled security, education, and other initiatives. It was then followed by expanded bilateral talks attended by key Philippine and US cabinet officials.

In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden described the newly-identified EDCA sites as something that would further strengthen the security in the country, just as it would support the Armed Forces' modernization.

They also highlighted the importance of the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, as well as maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

“The leaders support the right and ability of Filipino fisherfolk to pursue their traditional livelihoods. The leaders note the ruling of the 2016 arbitral tribunal, constituted pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the joint statement read.

Marcos is slated to visit the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US defense department, and will also meet Cabinet executives and business leaders during his stay in Washington.

Marcos and Biden earlier met on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last September in New York.

• In meeting Biden, Marcos Jr. says PH, US need to strengthen ties

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