Manila, July 18 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 22 at the White House, as part of his official visit to the United States from July 20 to 22.
The meeting will be the first by an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) head of state with President Trump since his return to office earlier this year, underscoring the continued strength of Philippines-U.S. relations.
In a pre-departure briefing at the Palace on July 18, 2025, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said the two leaders are expected to hold substantive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic development and security.
“The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the Philippines-United States alliance, to proactively engage the US in all aspects of the relations, and seize opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation,” Solano said.
High on the agenda is the proposed 20 percent U.S. tariff on Philippine exports, which the Marcos administration seeks to address through constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue with the Trump administration.
“We hope, of course, to arrive at a bilateral trade agreement or a deal on reciprocal trade that is mutually acceptable, mutually beneficial for both our countries,” said Solano when asked about the administration’s expectation regarding the meeting between the two leaders.
During his brief visit to the United States, the President will also highlight ongoing and future investment opportunities in the Philippines, as well as discuss these opportunities with key business leaders.
On the security front, Solano said the leaders will discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation and maritime security, as well as efforts to maintain regional stability amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Marcos is also scheduled to meet separately with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21.
The President will conclude his visit to the U.S. with his regular press briefing with the Philippine media delegation before returning to Manila on July 22.
Due to a tight schedule, the President will be unable to meet with the Filipino community during his visit, according to the DFA official.
The official delegation of the President during his visit to the U.S. includes DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.
