Marcos to urge for peaceful resolution of Middle East crisis during New York visit

NEW YORK CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will call for a peaceful settlement of the Middle East crisis as well as campaign for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat to the United Nations (UN) Security Council during his two-day working visit here.

Marcos arrived on Sunday afternoon here with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

They were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez, Philippine Ambassador to the UN Enrique Manalo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and the Philippine mission in New York. 

According to a statement released to the media, the President said he would “share the aspirations of the Filipino people for peace and solidarity.”

“I will call for restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law,” Marcos said.

“As I speak now, various armed conflicts across the globe are unfolding, and climate-related crises grow greater, and I cannot help but think that this is precisely the time where our brand of principled, consensus-building leadership is needed in the world,” he added.

He is also expected to meet with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to Romualdez.

“Push for the peaceful settlement of the conflict that’s going on. For us, most especially the Philippines, it’s very important for this conflict to be resolved as quickly as possible,” Romualdez said.

“Number one, obviously our economy, and secondly which is also very important for us and the President, is our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in the Middle East, the fourth largest of overseas workers in that area and that is major concern for us,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Marcos said he would also campaign for the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.  

''This candidature is about shared responsibility. It is about ensuring that the voice of the Philippines– and of developing countries – is heard at the highest forum of global peace and security,'' the President said.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, meanwhile, said a non-permanent seat in the UNSC would give voice to the Philippines so it can contribute on crafting any global agenda.

''Mahalaga po ito, unang-una po magkakaroon tayo ng boses para makatulong humubog sa pandaigdigang agenda at para sa pagdedesisyon sa isyu po ng pandaigdigang kapayapaan at seguridad,'' she said. 

(This is important since we will have a voice to help in creating any agenda and we can help in deciding regarding matters related to world peace and security. ) — with reports from Anna Felicia Bajo/JMA/RSJ, GMA Integrated News