President Marcos concludes New York working visit, advances PH UN Security Council bid

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concluded his two-day working visit to New York, describing the trip as “very productive” as he engaged with global leaders at the United Nations to call for peace amid tensions in the Middle East.

Part of his visit included promoting the Philippines’ bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.

Marcos and his delegation arrived back in Manila late Wednesday, March 11, at 11:29 p.m., according to the Presidential Communications Office.

In his arrival statement released Thursday, the President said the visit strengthened the Philippines’ diplomatic engagement with the UN while supporting the administration’s broader efforts to expand bilateral relations with countries around the world.

“It is good to be now already on the tail end of a very productive Working Visit here in New York in the United States with the Philippine delegation,” Marcos said before departing the city on Wednesday afternoon.

He said the Philippines’ participation in UN activities and other multilateral forums complements the country’s diplomatic initiatives globally.

“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.

During the visit, the President reiterated the Philippines’ call for de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and continued campaigning for the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

He also highlighted women’s empowerment during his address at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

“I delivered the Philippine National Statement at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where we shared that the nation's true progress is measured by the status and empowerment of its women,” Marcos said.

The President emphasized the need to strengthen education, ensure women’s participation in decision-making, and build greater unity in addressing violence against women.

Marcos also met with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, where he conveyed the Philippines’ continuing commitment to the organization and to multilateral cooperation.

In his address to the 193 member states during a special session of the United Nations General Assembly, Marcos underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, strengthening multilateralism, and pursuing the peaceful settlement of disputes.

He also reiterated the Philippines’ intention to seek a non-permanent seat at the Security Council, saying the country aims to represent the perspectives of the Indo-Pacific, including developing and climate-vulnerable nations as well as middle-income economies.

On the sidelines of the visit, the President met with business leaders and investors to promote economic cooperation and potential investments in the Philippines.

Among them were officials of US Medical Glove, who discussed plans to build a manufacturing facility in the country that could generate more than 2,000 jobs if realized.

Marcos also met with executives from JPMorgan Chase to discuss economic cooperation and global financial developments.

Their discussions included the impact of geopolitical tensions on global oil prices and the broader implications for both advanced and emerging economies.

-Paraluman News