President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to strengthening the longstanding alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

On Tuesday, Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to US President-elect Donald Trump during a “productive congratulatory call.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the aid distribution event in Catanduanes, the President reflected on his conversation with Trump, which touched on fond memories of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“Naalala naman niya ang Pilipinas. Ang kaibigan niya talaga mother ko. Kilalang-kilala niya ‘yung mother ko. Kinukumusta niya si — ‘how is Imelda?’ Sabi ko, binabati ka nga,” he told reporters.

“Patuloy naming pinag-usapan ang samahan — the alliance between the United States and the Philippines. And I expressed to him our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries, which is a relationship that is as deep as can possibly be because it has been for a very long time,” added Marcos Jr.

During the call, the two leaders discussed the deep-rooted alliance between the US and the Philippines.

The Chief Executive also highlighted their discussion about Filipino voters in the US who supported Trump.

“It was a very friendly call, very productive. And I am glad that I was able to do it and I think President-elect Trump was also happy to hear from the Philippines,” he said.