On September 24, 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski delivered a speech at the UN Security Council | Via Wikimedia Creative Commons
President Marcos’ foreign trips have consistently focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and security relations with other nations that share our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, the President’s interactions with other leaders have put the Philippines on the radar as a viable investment destination, providing opportunities to attract foreign direct investments and boost trade relations that would benefit the Philippine economy.
A prime example was his state visit to India that was not only successful but also “remarkably productive,” with $446 million in actual direct investments. The five-day state visit gave rise to “a multitude of possibilities and areas of potential,” as evidenced by investment pledges totaling over $5.7 billion in key sectors, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology and business process management.
The visit to India also resulted in the signing of 13 bilateral agreements covering defense and maritime cooperation, agriculture, science and technology, space research, fintech, and cultural exchange.
The President’s upcoming trip to Cambodia is crucial as it will build on the momentum gained following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to the Philippines last February, resulting in the signing of eight bilateral agreements in key areas that include agriculture, trade and investment, tourism, education, and information and communications technology.
Prime Minister Hun’s first official visit of 2025 to the Philippines is seen by many as noteworthy, considering Cambodia’s close ties to China. Thus, enhanced relations would be valuable to the Philippines as it prepares for its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
The Philippines is pulling out all the stops to showcase the best of the country and its people, with hundreds of delegates from member states and dialogue partners expected to attend various events, meetings, and engagements, including the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and, of course, the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.
As explained by Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro during Wednesday’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing, the Philippines will focus on issues such as peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change. We will also highlight the country’s leadership role as a founding member of the regional bloc, which is regarded as one of the most successful intergovernmental organizations in the world.
Obviously, the President needs to strengthen ties with our ASEAN neighbors as he needs all the support he can get in his push for a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea (something which has been the subject of discussion for more than two decades) – an issue that the President raised during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
” … the Philippines will focus on issues such as peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change. We will also highlight the country’s leadership role as a founding member of the regional bloc, which is regarded as one of the most successful intergovernmental organizations in the world.”
“We underscore the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. This is to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability and prevent miscalculations at sea,” the President said during the plenary session, stressing that “by working together, strengthening our institutions and building the resilience and capacities of our people, we can better navigate this increasingly uncertain future and turn challenges into opportunities for shared growth and stability.”
Experts agree that a legally binding COC is vital in de-escalating tensions due to conflicting maritime claims, as it will provide a framework for managing disputes, preventing armed confrontation, and maintaining stability in the South China Sea – a vital naval corridor where hundreds of thousands of vessels pass through every year, carrying an estimated $5 trillion worth of goods annually.
Undoubtedly, the President’s attendance at the UN General Assembly in New York is equally important to make our presence felt and support our bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. This mighty body can serve as a platform for the Philippines to push its advocacy for the rule of law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
It will also enable us to engage with like-minded nations and convey our position on security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and articulate our stance on the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea disputes more effectively. We will need the support of at least 129 countries or a two-thirds majority vote of the member states in the General Assembly.
The last time PBBM attended the UNGA was in 2022 – his first trip outside of Asia, which also served as his introduction to the global stage as the Philippines’ head of state. During his speech, he underscored the Philippines’ diplomatic policy of being “a friend to all and an enemy of none.”
“Our continued solidarity will also benefit from a reformed and more inclusive Security Council and an empowered General Assembly that can hold the Council to account. At the same time, the United Nations must forge ahead with its flagship tradition of global peacekeeping,” he said.
The President highlighted our “experience in building peace and forging new paths of cooperation” that can “enrich the work of the Security Council,” and called on all UN member-states to support the Philippines’ candidacy to the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
In subsequent trips and engagements, the President also requested support for our candidature, emphasizing the need to strengthen multilateralism, promote a rules-based international order, and uphold the UN Charter.
There is no question that the President’s unrelenting diplomatic outreach and active engagement with fellow heads of state during his trips abroad are not only essential but a key factor in gaining tremendous support from many countries in recognizing the Philippines’ 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration victory.
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