President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday warmly welcomed the Philippine’s hosting of the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum as he extended his warmest greetings to the parliamentarians from 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
“I am pleased to note that the Philippines’ hosting of the APPF31 comes in the same year that our country has officially joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),” President Marcos said in a speech delivered by Speaker Martin Romualdez during a welcome reception in Malacañang Thursday evening.
The President noted the recent passage of the agreement underscores the Philippine’s commitment to remain an active and valuable member of the Asia-Pacific family as well as of the whole international community.
This year’s forum focuses on the theme, “Resilient Partnerships for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainability.”
The chief executive also expressed hopes that the participants will utilize the platform as venue to discuss common interests such as in regional security, transnational crime, free and fair trade, digital innovation, and sustainable and equal economic growth.
“Let us also share our best practices to inspire one another, help each other fill knowledge gaps, and foster a supportive community—one that is committed to creating a culture that genuinely nurtures mutually beneficial partnerships with each other,” Marcos said.
President Marcos also recognized the participation of youth and women in the forum, emphasizing their global efforts to promote inclusivity.
“Your active involvement in your respective country’s affairs and this assembly is most welcome, and I look forward to the time when you will assume your places as the leaders of our respective countries,” Marcos said.
“I invite you to use your voice to echo the need for collaborations and partnerships so that we can come up with measures that will benefit the present and future generations,” he added.
The President further urged participants to continue to work together “for a stronger and more united Asia-Pacific community” PND
