Marcos tells Trudeau: Continue to endorse PH's SCS position in G7

VIENTIANE, Lao PDR — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday sought Canada's continued endorsement of the Philippines' position, particularly on issues regarding the South China Sea, in the Group of Seven (G7).

At the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Marcos discussed the matter during a bilateral meeting with Canadian President Justin Trudeau.

"We look forward to your continuing support and your endorsement of our position in the G7 when you take the chair of G7. So, we look forward to that. Thank you very much," Marcos told Trudeau.

He expressed gratitude to Canada for its support to the Philippines with regard to upholding the rule of law.

"Not only in terms of expressions of support but also in terms of actual capacity building and making Canada's presence felt in the Indo-Pacific region, most specifically in [the] South China Sea," Marcos said.

The G7 is a group of the world's advanced economies, namely Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the European Union.

As a member of the G7, Canada plays a leading role on the global stage and is able to advance domestic and international priorities.

Trudeau, for its part, said Canada has been working very much on regional security and safety, including fishing and military concerns.

"And we are happy to do it together in so many different ways. Lots to do. More trade conversations we've been have… Talking about Free Trade Agreements and other things that are gonna bring us even closer together. And, of course, I look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming years," Trudeau said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News