President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (New York time) described his two-day working visit to the United States as “very productive,” highlighting efforts to promote peace amid global tensions and rally support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
After concluding his engagements at the United Nations here, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the visit centered on urging peace in the Middle East and other conflict-affected regions, while also promoting the Philippines’ bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
On the first day of his working visit, Marcos delivered a national statement at the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, where he stressed that a nation’s progress is measured by the status and empowerment of women.
“I emphasized, amongst others, the importance of education, unity to confront violence against women in all forms, and ensuring that women are present wherever decisions are made, anywhere within government, within business, in science, in diplomacy, and in peace-building,” he said.
Marcos also met with UN Secretary General António Guterres, where he reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism and continued cooperation with the global body.
At a special plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly on the last day of his working visit, Marcos addressed the 193 member-states and stressed the importance of the rule of law, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He sought support for the Philippines’ UNSC bid, saying the country would bring the voice of the Indo-Pacific, developing countries, climate-vulnerable nations, and middle-income countries to the Council while advancing South-South cooperation.
Marcos also hosted a diplomatic reception attended by high-level representatives from member states of the United Nations to further rally support for the Philippines’ bid.
He noted that the Philippines has been part of efforts to address global challenges since the founding of the United Nations in 1945 and remains “a trusted and independent partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker.”
Business meetings
On the sidelines of the visit, Marcos met with business leaders and investors, including executives from the US Medical Glove Company, exploring plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the country.
“If realized, the project could create more than 2,000 Filipino jobs,” Marcos said. “It will also allow us to produce essential medical supplies locally and to open new opportunities for Filipino workers in the growing global medical manufacturing industry.”
Marcos also held discussions with senior leaders of JP Morgan on economic cooperation and global financial developments, including the impact of global tensions on oil prices and international markets.
The talks also touched on rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the need for governments and institutions to prepare for its effects on industries, economies, and labor markets.
“We emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation amid increasing volatility in international markets,” Marcos said.
“The exchange underscored the growing importance of technological readiness, cybersecurity resilience, and workforce upskilling in order to remain competitive in a fast-changing global environment,” he added.
Marcos said the Philippines would continue strengthening bilateral ties with partners worldwide while promoting regional solidarity through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The presidential plane carrying Marcos left Newark Liberty International Airport at around 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday (New York time). (PNA)
