President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the Philippines in 2026 for the 44th ASEAN Summit, which Manila will host.
Marcos Jr. noted that the summit will coincide with two major milestones: 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the U.S., and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
“I look forward to hosting President Trump next year to attend the ASEAN meetings under the Philippines’ chair, which also coincides with the commemoration of our 80th year of diplomatic ties and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty,” the President said upon returning from a three-day official visit to the U.S.
Emphasizing the importance of the Philippine-U.S. alliance, Marcos Jr. said his meeting with President Trump reaffirmed their nations’ “ironclad commitment” to the 1951 MDT, calling it a cornerstone of Philippine security.
He described the U.S. as the country’s oldest and only treaty ally, and stressed the value of advancing mutual respect, cooperation, and shared strategic interests in maintaining regional stability.IMT
