Marcos to call for restraint, respect for int'l law during US trip —DFA spox

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday underscored the significance of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s working visit to the United States amid the tension in the Middle East. 

In a press briefing, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said Marcos' trip to New York on March 9 to 10 would include high-level engagements at the United Nations (UN), where he would urge parties involved in the conflict to return to the negotiating table.

''Napakahalaga po ng biyaheng ito, ito po ang tamang pagkakataon ngayon dahil sa mga nangyayari sa Middle East,'' Escalona said. 

(This trip is very important amid what is currently happening in the Middle East.) 

The President would offer a voice from the region, calling for restraint and respect for international law and the UN Charter amid the ongoing conflict, according to Escalona. 

Escalona also said Marcos would meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the sidelines of his US visit.

Marcos will also participate in the opening of the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

He will likewise address and deliver a message before the special session of the UN General Assembly.

''In his address at the General Assembly, the President will underscore how the Philippines has continuously and constructively engaged the United Nations in UN member-states since the UN’s founding in 1945 to advance the rule of law, multilateralism, sustainable developments, climate resilience, humanitarian action and the promotion of human rights and protection of vulnerable groups in conflict situations,'' Escalona said.

When asked if Marcos would meet with US President Donald Trump, Escalona said there is no scheduled meeting between the two officials. 

The President will be accompanied by First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos; Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro; Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac; Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; and Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez.—AOL, GMA Integrated News