President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in Washington, D.C. for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States, with a focus on economic cooperation and regional security, Malacañang said Monday.

Touching down at Joint Base Andrews at 2:48 p.m. local time, Marcos was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Marcos is the first Southeast Asian leader to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump since the start of the latter’s second term in January.

Before departing Manila, Marcos emphasized the critical importance of the visit in reaffirming the long-standing alliance between the two nations. 

He underscored shared goals such as enhancing defense ties, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring lasting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“President Marcos' visit signals a shared intent to expand Philippine-U.S. partnership, which is built on decades of cooperation and anchored in mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability,” Malacañag said.