President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on July 22 at the White House, as part of his official visit to the United States from July 20 to 22.

In a pre-departure briefing at the Palace on Friday, Assistant Foreign Affairs Secretary Raquel Solano said the two leaders are expected to hold substantive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic development and security.

High on the agenda is the proposed 20 percent US tariff on Philippine exports, which the Marcos administration seeks to address through constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue with the Trump administration.

Trump raised the initial proposed tariff of 17 percent from the 10 percent to take effect on August 1. The Philippines will try for a lower tariff rate.

“We hope, of course, to arrive at a bilateral trade agreement or a deal on reciprocal trade that is mutually acceptable, mutually beneficial for both our countries,” said Solano.

On the security front, Solano said the leaders will discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation and maritime security, as well as efforts to maintain regional stability amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

Marcos is also scheduled to meet separately with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21.

The President will conclude his visit to the US with his regular press briefing with the Philippine media delegation before returning to Manila on July 22.

Due to a tight schedule, the President will be unable to meet with the Filipino community during his visit, according to the DFA official.

The official delegation of the President during his visit to the U.S. includes DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez. Presidential News Desk