Marcos’ state visits are key to promote nat’l interest

This file photo shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez during a meet-and-greet event with the Filipino community in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on October 20, 2023. Romualdez justified the recent state visits of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Germany and the Czech Republic. In a statement on Saturday, March 16, 2024, Romualdez said the “immensely beneficial outcomes” of Marcos’ state visits show the importance of “personal interaction between leaders of nations.” Photo from the Office of Speaker Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez justified the recent state visits of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Germany and the Czech Republic.

Romualdez said the “immensely beneficial outcomes” of Marcos’ trips show the importance of “personal interaction between leaders of nations.” He said in-person talks and participation are a “crucial rule” to achieving improved bilateral relations and advanced national interest.

“Face-to-face interactions allow leaders to develop personal relationships and build trust with each other. Trust is a fundamental component of international relations, and personal interactions can help leaders understand each other’s perspectives, intentions, and concerns better,” Romualdez said in a statement Saturday.

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The leader of the House of Representatives likewise said the meetings that the President had during the twin state visits would send an important message to the international community regarding the goals of the Philippines and the two countries.

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“Aside from the official statements issued, these personal meetings between leaders serve as powerful symbols of cooperation and goodwill, sending a strong and unmistakable signal to domestic audiences and the international community alike their solid commitment to advance the common interests of their countries,” he said.

From March 11 to 15, Marcos embarked on state visits to Germany and the Czech Republic, where he met with German Chancellor Olal Scholz and Czech President Petr Pavel, respectively.