The Philippines will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday as he touted his administration’s relationship with foreign governments.
“We will continue to assert our independent foreign policy. We shall continue to reach out to all nations regardless of all their political persuasions, regardless of proximity. So long as this nation treats us well,” Duterte said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Duterte lauded the country’s chairmanship and the hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit last year.
The President also commended the national organizing committee headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for the success of Asean’s 50th anniversary held in the country.
In the first two years of the President’s term, Duterte traveled across Southeast Asia to establish ties with Asean member states.
“We have shown the world that we are capable when we work together,” he said, adding that improved international relations resulted in cooperation, such as the naval patrol cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia. /ee