President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. left for Washington D.C. on Sunday for a three-day official visit, where he is expected to press for a bilateral trade deal and discuss defense cooperation in a high-level meeting with United States President Donald Trump.

“This visit is the first by an ASEAN head of state to the United States under this administration,” Marcos said.

“My meeting with President Trump is essential to continuing and to advance our national interest and strengthening our alliance.”

The visit comes as the Philippines seeks to ease the impact of a proposed 20 percent US tariff on Philippine exports.

The President said his team would negotiate with the US “to be able to alleviate the effects of a very severe tariff scheduled for the Philippines.”

Trade deal

Marcos will push for “greater economic engagement, particularly through trade and investment between the Philippines and the United States.”

“I intend to convey to President Trump and his Cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial and future-oriented collaborations,” he said.

Marcos said members of the Philippine defense and economic teams were already in the US preparing for discussions.

In addition to meeting with Trump, Marcos is expected to engage with American business leaders to promote investment opportunities and economic growth in the Philippines.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the alliance with the US, calling it “an instrument of peace and a catalyst of development in the Asia-Pacific Region and around the world.”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III have been designated as caretakers during the President’s US trip. (PNA)