Marcos vows joint efforts of PH, New Zealand to maintain regional peace
The Philippines will continue to work with New Zealand in promoting regional peace and upholding international law, President Marcos said.

"As mature democracies and responsible states, both our countries uphold similar values, including our shared respect for international law, such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Marcos said in his opening statement during a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday, April 18.
"I take this opportunity to emphasize the intent of the Philippines to continue working with New Zealand on promoting regional peace and security, and in safeguarding the rule of law under the framework of international law," he added.
The President also said that "respecting and upholding the rule of law is a matter of concern not only for the Philippines and New Zealand" but the rest of the international community as well.
He shared with Luxon his hope that the latter's official visit in Manila will signal a re-energized bilateral relationship between the Philippines and New Zealand.
He said that Luxon's visit would enhance existing cooperation and expand areas of great potential amid an ever-changing regional and global landscape.
Marcos also cited the two countries' climate change agenda, which, he said, prompts them to collaborate further.
"As fellow Pacific states, we also share the challenges and the risks of climate change and the sea level rise, as well as natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes," he said.
"No single country can manage the effects of these phenomena alone. And this is a call for greater collaboration," he added.
The two counties established their formal diplomatic relations in 1966, and have since pursued cooperation on matters of mutual interest, resulting in 30 bilateral agreements in the fields of defense, development, agriculture, education, energy, labor, food security, visa, environment, and trade amongst others.
At present, there are around 79,998 Filipinos in New Zealand.