President Marcos said that the Permanent Court of Arbitration is an "important part" of the Philippines' foreign policy, considering the challenges the country is facing at present.
Marcos made the statement during the courtesy call of Dr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, Aug. 29.
The President told Czepelak that it was very gratifying for him to welcome the official to Manila.
"I'm very happy that you were able to visit with us. Because we, of course, in the case right now, the Permanent Court of Arbitration is an important part of (our) foreign policy considering all the challenges that we are facing right now," Marcos told the visiting Polish jurist.
Marcos further said that the Philippines has shown its "continuing adherence to international law and the arbitration" and continues to stand by it.
He said "that is an argument that we can make and have made in several instances."
"It's very gratifying for me to be able to welcome you to Manila," Marcos told the foreign official.
Czepelak, on the other hand, said his visit to Manila is a "fantastic experience."
"Indeed, it is my first time and it is a fantastic experience to be able to, well, first I meet a lot of people and then I'm allowed to even visit some places," he said.
Established in 1899, the Permanent Court of Arbitration facilitates arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states.
Czepelak assumed as the Secretary General in June 2022. His term will be until May 2027.