United States (US) President Joe Biden reaffirmed his country's "ironclad commitment" to defend the Philippines as he and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. discussed the situation in the disputed South China Sea.
Biden and Marcos held their first face-to-face bilateral talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly here in New York on Thursday (Friday in Manila).
In a statement released after the meeting, the White House said the two leaders "reflected on the importance of the US-Philippines alliance."
"President Biden reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines," the White House said.
"The leaders discussed the situation in the South China Sea and underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes," it added.
Biden and Marcos also discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including energy security, climate action, and infrastructure, according to the White House.
"The leaders also discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and its implications for energy prices and food security, as well as Asean matters, the crisis in Burma, and the importance of respect for human rights," it said.
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