Marcos sees PH, Australia as ‘pockets of freedom’ from nuclear weapons

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, February 29, 2024. (REUTERS/Kirsty Needham)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday described Philippines and Australia as “pockets of freedom” from nuclear weapons.

During his address to the Australian Parliament, Marcos lauded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his commitment to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

“It is a commitment that is shared by all peoples of Southeast Asia with those of Australia and the Pacific Island States,” the Philippine leader said in his speech.

“Through the treaties of Bangkok and Rarotonga, our two regions serve as pockets of freedom from these destructive weapons,” he noted.

Both treaties are United Nations agreements for nuclear disarmament.

The Bangkok agreement aims to keep Southeast Asia as a region free from nuclear arms, while the Rarotonga agreement is meant to keep the South Pacific region free from nuclear weapons.

“Within the ambit of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Regional Forum and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, our two countries are champions of nuclear disarmament and advocates for nuclear risk reduction,” said Marcos.

He sealed three agreements with Australia during his two-day stay, with one pertaining to shared maritime security.

The President is set to return to the Philippines on Thursday afternoon.