MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to Manila late Wednesday night from what he described as a "very productive" working visit to the United States. The plane carrying Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and the rest of the Philippine delegation landed at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 11:29 p.m.
“I am happy to report that the outcomes of this visit call for peace amidst tensions in the Middle East and other parts of the world, and of course, to campaign for our UN Security Council candidature,” Marcos said.
On Monday, the President said he delivered the Philippine National Statement at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where he shared that the nation's true progress is measured by the status and empowerment of its women.
Marcos also had “very good” discussions with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, conveying the Philippines' enduring commitment to the UN and multilateralism.
In his address at the special session of the UN General Assembly, the President stressed the importance of the rule of law, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Marcos also pushed the Philippines' request for a candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028, highlighting that the Philippines could give voice to the Indo-Pacific, including developing countries, climate-vulnerable nations, and middle-income countries.
On the sidelines of the visit, the President said he met with business leaders and investors, among them officials of the US Medical Glove company to discuss their plans to build a manufacturing facility in the country. If realized, the project could create more than 2,000 jobs in the Philippines, he said. Marcos also met with senior leaders at J.P. Morgan to discuss ongoing economic cooperation and the global issues affecting financial markets.
The conversation covered heightened geopolitical tensions and their impact on global oil prices, as well as the broader implications for both advanced and emerging nations.
“Our engagements in the UN and other multilateral fora complement our efforts to enrich bilateral relations with countries around the world. We do as well want to enhance regional solidarity, chiefly through Asean," Marcos said.
