Cheyenne Suarez

Marcos Jr. hosts diplomatic corps, expresses gratitude for UNSC bid support

Article (news)

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div> </div><div> </div>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the diplomatic community for the “continued friendship and engagement” with the Philippines as he hosted them at the traditional Vin d’Honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace on Friday, June 12.The event was attended by ambassadors, cabinet secretaries, and other high-level officials.Vin d&#x27;Honneur, or “wine of honor” in French, is observed biannually in the Philippines, commemorating both the New Year and the anniversary of the Philippine independence.In his speech, Marcos Jr. thanked the diplomatic corps for their “support and goodwill” to the Philippines throughout its candidacy to the United Nations Security Council.“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,” he said.The Philippines lost its bid for a non-permanent seat for 2027-2028 term to Kyrgyzstan after it failed to get two-thirds of the 190 votes available from the chamber.Marcos Jr. also announced the opening of new embassies in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Accra, Ghana, this year, calling it an integral part of widening the country’s diplomatic footprint.He added that they are working on establishing new consulate generals in Miami, Florida, to serve Filipinos in the United States, Southeast, and the Caribbean.“They will serve as a gateway to unlock fresh economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and stronger political relations with our host countries,” he said.Marcos Jr. also reflected on the outcomes of the 48th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu last month under the Philippines&#x27; chairship and expressed optimism for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit in November, calling it another opportunity to deepen cooperation.He added that he is looking forward to the country’s hosting of the commemorative activity for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in July and reaffirm collective commitment to its principles of “mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, renunciation of the threat or use of force, and effective cooperation.”Marcos Jr. also reaffirmed the Philippine’s commitment to “work with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development and rules-based international order.”“To the excellent health, long life, and happiness of the esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps, to the enduring peace, resilience, and prosperity of our respective nations, and to the continuing depth, warmth, and lifelong friendship between the Philippines and the global community,” the chief executive said as he invited the audience for a traditional toast.<div> </div><div>CONDOLENCES TO QUAKE VICTIMS</div>In his speech, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Charles John Brown extended condolences and sympathies to the victims of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that jolted parts of Southern Mindanao.“In the name of the diplomatic corps, allow me Mr. President to express our sincere condolences to you and to all the people of the Philippines on this tragedy,” he said.“We stand with the people of Mindanao in this difficult time,” Brown added.He also took note that the world “is witnessing a rise of what we might call unilateralism” and “recourse to war and force as instruments of foreign policy.”“This unfortunate reality stands in marked contrast to the inspiring vision offered by your excellency,” Brown added as he recognized the Philippine’s commitment to multilateralism and dedication to diplomacy.He also congratulated the Philippines for its ASEAN chairship and offered a toast to Marcos Jr. “for his well-being, health, and success and for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of the Filipino nation.”“May God bless the Philippines,” Brown stated.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the diplomatic community for the "continued friendship and engagement" with the Philippines as he hosted them at the traditional Vin d’Honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace on Friday, June 12.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the diplomatic community for the "continued friendship and engagement" with the Philippines as he hosted them at the traditional Vin d’Honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace on Friday, June 12.