Marcos Flies to New York Next Week — Will Call for Middle East Peace at UN
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is heading to New York next week for a working visit to the United Nations, where he'll push for peace in the Middle East, advocate for civilian protection, and campaign for the Philippines' bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. The trip runs from March 8 to 11.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona laid out the agenda during a pre-departure briefing at Malacañang on Friday. "This trip is very important amid what is currently happening in the Middle East," Escalona said, noting that Marcos would "offer a voice from our region, from developing countries" and urge all parties involved to "return to the negotiating table for peace."
The President is set to deliver a message before a special session of the UN General Assembly, where he'll reiterate the Philippines' push to become a member of the UN Security Council. He'll also address the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) — adding gender issues to the diplomatic lineup.
On the sidelines, Marcos is expected to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. However, the DFA confirmed there are no plans for a meeting with US President Donald Trump or other heads of state during this particular trip. It'll be Marcos' sixth visit to the United States — making it the foreign country he has visited most as president, with his last trip being in July 2025.
Accompanying the President are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, among other officials.
Source: The Manila Times
