Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the Philippines' willingness to enhance its partnership with the United States, indicating a readiness to collaborate 'to an even greater extent.' This statement was made during a meeting with the visiting US Senate Armed Services Committee Congressional Delegation at Malaca±an Palace.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos welcomed Senators Roger Wicker and Deb Fischer, highlighting the enduring partnership between Manila and Washington. He expressed gratitude for the support the US has provided to the Philippines amidst various challenges and conveyed hopes for further collaboration.

Marcos stressed the importance of deepening cooperation not only bilaterally but also through multilateral engagements in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions during the meeting centered on bolstering defense cooperation, supporting the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and promoting regional peace and stability.

Senator Wicker described the alliance between the Philippines and the US as 'one of the most important,' noting its increasing closeness. The US lawmakers' visit comes amid regional security tensions, particularly concerning overlapping claims in the South China Sea involving the Philippines and China.