MANILA, Philippines – Muling pinagtibay ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang commitment ng Pilipinas sa isang rules-based international order at layunin nito na i-promote ang regional centrality habang naghahanda ang bansa sa pagho-host nito sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, sa idinaos na unang “Vin d’honneur” ng taon na isinagawa sa Ceremonial Hall ng Palasyo ng Malakanyang.
Ang “Vin d’honneur” ay isang diplomatic event na tradisyonal na isinasagawa tuwing Bagong Taon at Independence Day, tampok ang toast exchanged sa pagitan ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas at mga ambassadors mula sa iba’t ibang bansa pangunguna ni Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown.
“As we enter this new year, we are confident in the strength of our bilateral partnerships, our common commitment to a rules-based international order, and our shared determination to build a more peaceful, resilient, and prosperous future for all our peoples,” ang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos sa kanyang toast.
“True to our commitment as an innovative pathfinder, a trusted peacemaker, and a reliable partner, we pursued a proactive diplomatic agenda that strengthened our bilateral partnerships for mutual benefit, expanding cooperation with both longstanding and new partners, particularly in key economic sectors and security areas,” aniya pa rin.
Binigyang diin din ang hangarin ng gobyerno ng isang independent foreign policy, tinukoy ni Pangulong Marcos ang pagtatatag ng bagong foreign service posts noong 2025 sa Estados Unidos, Republic of Korea, at Vietnam.
Winika rin ng Pabulo ang pormal na pagtatatag ng diplomatic relations noong nakaraang taon kasama ang Kingdom of Bhutan, Grenada, at Republic of Madagascar.
“These new relationships reflect our commitment to forging partnerships and deepening engagement across diverse regions, from South Asia and the Caribbean to South Africa. We look forward to working with our new partners to foster cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, sustainable development, cultural exchanges, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation in multilateral forums of shared interest,” ang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos.
Muli namang inulit ng Pangulo ang chairship ng Pilipinas sa Asean ay najkatuon para palakasin ang ‘centrality’ ng rehiyon.
“At the same time, we will continue to advance people-centered initiatives that ensure the benefits of regional cooperation are felt by our citizens, especially those most vulnerable. In an increasingly polarized world, Asean’s greatest strength remains its ability to engage constructively with all partners, uphold dialogue over discord, and build consensus amid diversity,” aniya pa rin.
“This year, we also look beyond our region to the wider world as we enter the homestretch of our campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term,” dagdag na wika ng Chief Executive.
Binigyang diin ni Pangulong Marcos na ia-adopt ng Pilipinas ang “principled” at “constructive” approach kapag nahalal sa UNSC, mapagtagumpayan ang rule of law at proteksyon ng mga sibilyan.
“For our bid to the UNSC for 2027–2028, we stand together in being your partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker. Working to chart a course toward peace, progress, and collaborative global responsibility, I assure you that the Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism, international peace, human rights, and the rule of law, just as it was when we joined the community of nations in establishing the UN system 80 years ago,” ang sinabi ng Pangulo. (KRIS JOSE)
