By Brian Campued
On Independence Day, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to upholding its sovereignty while strengthening cooperation with other nations to advance peace, development, and a rules-based international order.
During his toast at the traditional vin d’honneur in Malacañan Palace on Friday, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the country’s continued efforts to widen its “diplomatic footprint” by opening additional embassies and consulates in key regions around the world.
According to the President, these new embassies would be established in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Accra, Ghana, while a consulate general would be opened in Miami, Florida to serve overseas Filipinos.
“These new missions provide vital, accessible consular services to protect our nationals overseas,” Marcos Jr. said.
“They will serve as a gateway to unlock fresh economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and stronger political relations with our host countries,” he added.
As part of a community of nations, the Chief Executive told the members of the diplomatic corps that the Philippines values its deep, enduring friendship with other countries and that Manila’s commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter remains steadfast and unwavering.
“As we have always done, as a founding member of the United Nations, the Philippines will work with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order.
These we will always uphold and advance in the global community,” he said.
Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of his meetings with fellow leaders over the past few years, noting that these engagements were avenues for bolstering bilateral ties and deepening cooperation on new and emerging issues of mutual concern.
He also expressed optimism for another successful hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit set in November, following the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu last May.
As chair of this year’s ASEAN summits, Marcos stressed the need for robust cooperation among neighboring nations to collectively respond to pressing regional and global issues, such as maritime disputes, energy resilience, and food security.
“We also look forward to the Philippines’ hosting of the commemorative activity for the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia on the 24th of July and to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles of the TAC—mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the renunciation of the threat or use of force, and effective cooperation,” he said.
Before concluding his toast remarks, the President thanked members of the diplomatic corps for their continuing friendship and engagement with the Philippines.
“We value your support, cooperation, and contribution to advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation with your respective countries and working with us to chart the path forward,” he said.
Derived from the French practice meaning “wine of honor,” the vin d’honneur is an official reception hosted by Philippine presidents twice a year—on New Year’s Day and on Independence Day.
Among the esteemed guests during Friday’s gathering were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, government officials, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and its Dean, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown, who led the ceremonial toast with President Marcos Jr.
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