Marcos: PH economy to benefit from von der Leyen's visit
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is confident that the historic visit of European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen to the Philippines would positively impact the country's economy.
*PH-EU TIES — President Marcos and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen share a toast in a luncheon hosted by the President in Malacañang on July 31, 2023. (RTVM screenshot)*
Marcos said this as he hosted a luncheon for the European official and other European Union (EU) delegation members in Malacañang on Monday, July 31. In his toast, the President said he was honored to welcome von der Leyen and her delegation, return the courtesy, and extend the distinct Filipino hospitality to them. He added that despite the many challenges and obstacles that hinder the capabilities of the EU and the Philippines, von der Leyen's visit would benefit both regions. "In this time of geopolitical upheavals, economic disruptions, amongst others, it is important that we have strong partners and strong allies," Marcos said. "As the Philippine economy seeks to reclaim the momentum lost during the pandemic and as we embark on a high economic growth path, your visit, Your Madame Excellency, deeply heartens us to the support of the European Union and its Member States, especially since strengthening our bilateral ties in trade, development, digital connectivity, and other sectors will undoubtedly positively impact our respective economies," he added. According to the President, he also considers von der Leyen's visit as the EU's renewed commitment to work with the Philippines shoulder-to-shoulder in accomplishing their common goals of peace and prosperity. He added that the Philippines and the EU's shared values and principles would bring about a global community that upholds democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. "I am deeply thankful for the EU's support, and I sincerely wish and hope that this warm kinship developing between us will set the tone of the relationship and enrich the enduring bonds of friendship between our governments and peoples in the years to come," Marcos said. This year, the Philippines and the EU mark the 60th year of their formal relationship. Before the luncheon, Marcos had a [bilateral meeting](https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/31/marcos-like-minded-ph-eu-ties-off-to-greater-heights) with von der Leyen and witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on the [Green Economy Program](https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/31/ph-eu-sign-green-economy-program-accord) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU).
*PH-EU TIES — President Marcos and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen share a toast in a luncheon hosted by the President in Malacañang on July 31, 2023. (RTVM screenshot)*
Marcos said this as he hosted a luncheon for the European official and other European Union (EU) delegation members in Malacañang on Monday, July 31. In his toast, the President said he was honored to welcome von der Leyen and her delegation, return the courtesy, and extend the distinct Filipino hospitality to them. He added that despite the many challenges and obstacles that hinder the capabilities of the EU and the Philippines, von der Leyen's visit would benefit both regions. "In this time of geopolitical upheavals, economic disruptions, amongst others, it is important that we have strong partners and strong allies," Marcos said. "As the Philippine economy seeks to reclaim the momentum lost during the pandemic and as we embark on a high economic growth path, your visit, Your Madame Excellency, deeply heartens us to the support of the European Union and its Member States, especially since strengthening our bilateral ties in trade, development, digital connectivity, and other sectors will undoubtedly positively impact our respective economies," he added. According to the President, he also considers von der Leyen's visit as the EU's renewed commitment to work with the Philippines shoulder-to-shoulder in accomplishing their common goals of peace and prosperity. He added that the Philippines and the EU's shared values and principles would bring about a global community that upholds democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. "I am deeply thankful for the EU's support, and I sincerely wish and hope that this warm kinship developing between us will set the tone of the relationship and enrich the enduring bonds of friendship between our governments and peoples in the years to come," Marcos said. This year, the Philippines and the EU mark the 60th year of their formal relationship. Before the luncheon, Marcos had a [bilateral meeting](https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/31/marcos-like-minded-ph-eu-ties-off-to-greater-heights) with von der Leyen and witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on the [Green Economy Program](https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/31/ph-eu-sign-green-economy-program-accord) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU).