State Banquet in Honor of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand

Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
April 18, 2024
“I’m very, very happy to have welcomed you and to see and discuss with you, as we just had, all of the things that can be done. As ever, a face-to-face meeting bring about much opportunities. So, I am looking forward to an era of closer ties and closer partnerships between New Zealand and the Philippines,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. states as he honors Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand who is on a three-day official visit to the Philippines.
In his toast remarks, the President highlights the Philippines’ readiness to partner with New Zealand in various areas of cooperation and common interests, anchored in the principles of democracy, inclusivity and a collaborative spirit.
“They really are wide-ranging when it comes to the issue that are common and that have potentials when it comes to Philippines and New Zealand. I think that serves as a very strong foundation for the continuing development of the relationships between the Philippines and New Zealand,” the President expresses.
In response, Prime Minister Luxon reiterates his commitment to continue working with the Philippines to foster a more robust partnership, expressing his appreciation for the over 100,000 Filipinos living and working in New Zealand who continue to make a difference.
“The Philippines and New Zealand already have a good relationship. But President Marcos Jr. and I want to put renewed energy and intensity into that relationship, and that means building out the connections that we have in the defense and security spaces, setting out building into people-to-people links, and also economic agenda,” Prime Minister Luxon remarks.
The New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit to the country is part of a three-day official tour. Prior to arriving in the Philippines, Prime Minister Luxon visited Singapore and Thailand as part of his working visit to Southeast Asia.
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