Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Before Their Meeting

PRESIDENT MARCOS:  (Inaudible) welcome you to the Malacañan Palace in Manila.  (Inaudible) and we know that you have a very, very busy schedule, a lot of important things you are doing, that you have found the time for this (inaudible), especially as (inaudible) chair of ASEAN.  I really appreciate (inaudible) many issues that (inaudible).  I’m very glad, as I mentioned to you, we watch the news and so we were surprised that you are still able to find time to visit with us (inaudible).  Thank you very much (inaudible). 

SECRETARY RUBIO:  Well, thank you for welcoming me, first of all, and to congratulate you on the great job hosting this conference, which, in addition to being so critically important for the region, provides us the opportunity to interact with so many countries.  It’s also important to be here I think just two weeks into our new ambassador here, who I know is going to do a great job.  And Mr. President, thank you for welcoming us.  And obviously, in addition to visiting here for the conference, we wanted to visit with you. You know how much the President holds you in high esteem; you had a very positive meeting last year in Washington.  And this is a country that has deep ties to the United States in many ways and it’s a partnership that is only growing, and in light of recent events, it’s become more important than ever.  And so we’re glad to be with you today and to reaffirm that relationship and our commitment to the U.S. and Philippines’ relationship.