President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. | FILE PHOTO: Gabriel Lalu / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that upholding the international rule of law was a matter that concerns not just the Philippines and New Zealand but all countries.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is on an official visit to the Philippines from April 18 to 20. After being given arrival honors in Malacañan Palace, Luxon attended a bilateral meeting with Marcos.
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“As mature democracies and responsible states, both our countries uphold similar values, including our shared respect for international law, such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” said Marcos in his opening remarks during the meeting.
“And respecting and upholding the rule of law is a matter of concern not only for the Philippines and New Zealand, but absolutely, certainly, the rest of the international community as well,” he added.
The President also said that the Philippines will continue to work with New Zealand in upholding international law.
“I take this opportunity to emphasize the intent of the Philippines to continue working with New Zealand on promoting regional peace and security, and in safeguarding the rule of law under the framework of international law,” Marcos said.
Marcos has been seeking more international allies for regional stability amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea. China has continued its aggressive behavior in the area, claiming Philippine waterways for itself.
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The President has already said that New Zealand’s neighbor, Australia, is a natural partner in keeping regional peace.
Luxon is the first New Zealand head of state to visit the country in over 14 years.
According to Marcos, New Zealand and the Philippines share 30 bilateral agreements in the fields of defense, agriculture, development, labor, and more. There are also 100,000 Filipinos residing in New Zealand.