Jakarta: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is seeking expanded cooperation on economic development with Vietnam and the United Nations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed this intention during a bilateral meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits. During his meeting with the Vietnamese leader, Marcos thanked Vietnam for its assistance to the Philippines during periods of drought and rice supply challenges. The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Presidential Communications Office, stated that both leaders committed to strengthening bilateral relations in government, economic, and security cooperation. They also showed interest in expanding economic diplomacy and enhancing their bilateral strategic partnership.

In a separate meeting with Guterres, Marcos discussed key cooperation areas, reaffirming their dedication to maintaining peace and stability, fostering economic growth, and ensuring social development and equality. Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to climate action and its role as a reliable partner of the UN. He also expressed his anticipation for continued cooperation with the UN in supporting ASEAN and the ASEAN-UN framework.

At the 15th ASEAN-UN Summit, Marcos highlighted the enhanced coordination across ASEAN and UN bodies in advancing inclusive and sustainable progress. He advocated for a development agenda that leaves no one behind, emphasizing that the true measure of their partnership lies in the progress secured for their peoples. He also pushed for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council, underscoring Manila’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), reinforcing its commitment to a rules-based order governed by international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He noted the importance of this agreement, especially given the Philippines’ proximity to high seas in the Pacific and South China Sea.

In conclusion, Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and urged ASEAN to fully utilize its partnerships with the UN to accelerate meaningful progress.