President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is open to working with the United States (US) “to an even greater extent” as he received members of the visiting US Senate Armed Services Committee Congressional Delegation at Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

Marcos welcomed Senators Roger Wicker and Deb Fischer, underscoring the “very, very close partnership” between Manila and Washington that has withstood the test of time.

“We are greatly appreciative of all the support that the United States has given us in the face of the challenges that we in the Philippines are facing… and we hope to continue working with you to an even greater extent,” the President told the visiting delegation.

Marcos also emphasized the need to deepen collaboration not only on a bilateral level but also through multilateral arrangements in the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting focused on strengthening defense cooperation, supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization, and promoting peace and stability in the region.

Wicker, for his part, described the Philippines-US alliance as “one of the most important” and “growing in terms of closeness.”

The US lawmakers’ two-day visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between Manila and Washington amid regional security tensions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. (PNA)