MANILA, Philippines — On Independence Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to strengthen cooperation with other nations in advancing peace, regional stability, and a rules-based international order.
Marcos made the statement during his toast at the traditional Vin d’Honneur at Malacañang Palace on Friday.
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Vin d’Honneur (French for ‘wine of honor’) is a biannual formal reception where the Philippine President hosts members of the diplomatic corps and national leaders for ceremonial toasts and exchanges of goodwill. It commemorates the New Year and the anniversary of Philippine independence.
“As we have always done, as a founding member of the United Nations, the Philippines will work with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order,” he said.
“These we will always uphold and advance in the global community,” Marcos added.
As chair of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summits, Marcos emphasized the need for robust cooperation among neighboring nations.
The Philippines hosted the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, in May. The 49th Asean Summit and Related Meetings, meanwhile, are set for November at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
“Our discussions focused intensely on translating three core priorities into actionable, concrete, and practical cooperation, namely ensuring regional energy security and resilience, stabilizing food security, and the safety of Asean nationals,” Marcos said.
“I look forward to welcoming my fellow heads of state and government from our dialogue partners at our Summit in November, which serves as another opportunity to build on these discussions, reaffirm Asean’s centrality, deepen our cooperation, and chart the way forward,” he continued.
Marcos also said he is excited about the country’s hosting of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on July 24.
Furthermore, he thanked members of the diplomatic corps for their continuing friendship and engagement with the Philippines.
“Thank you especially for your support and goodwill to the Philippines throughout our candidacy to the UN Security Council,” he said.
“We value your support, cooperation, and contribution to advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation with your respective countries and working with us to chart the path forward,” the President added.
At the end of his speech, Marcos raised a toast with the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Archbishop Charles John Brown, and prayed for “enduring peace, resilience, and prosperity” for the Philippines and the diplomatic community. /mr