Marcos back in PH after Brussels trip

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Thursday evening after meetings with fellow world leaders and European business officials at the Commemorative Summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union (ASEAN-EU) in Belgium.

Marcos, together with other Philippine delegation, arrived in Manila at 6:59 p.m.

During his speech at the ASEAN EU commemorative summit, Marcos Jr. on Wednesday made a pitch for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union to shore up economic recovery following the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marcos also called for the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) amid the maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

The President also said that the country maintains an independent foreign policy and will not engage in picking sides that could create tension among nations.

Marcos put to fore the need to define the damage and loss caused by climate change in seeking reparation from rich nations.      

At the sidelines of the ASEAN-EU commemorative summit, Marcos held bilateral meetings with leaders of Estonia, Spain, Netherlands, and Czech Republic.

Marcos also met executives of European firms to discuss investment opportunities in the Philippines.

His meetings on Wednesday pushed through after Marcos missed his coffee meeting with members of the Philippine media due to a cold.

The President also met King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Tuesday.—LDF, GMA Integrated News