Our wife Gina and we are currently on a brief visit here in Bangkok with some of our close relatives and friends. It is a time for rest and reflection, and a chance to reconnect with this vibrant city and the ever-welcoming Thai people.

As someone who has always advocated for stronger regional cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, we have long admired the steady progress of Thailand in promoting economic growth, boosting tourism, and preserving its cultural heritage. Today, Thailand stands as one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia and remains an essential pillar of the ASEAN community.

We have observed with great interest that the Thai government has been steadfast in its commitment to attract foreign investments and navigate the region’s complex geopolitical currents. It is heartening to witness these efforts, especially at a time when Southeast Asia must present a united front in the face of regional challenges.

Meanwhile, relations between the Philippines and Thailand continue to flourish. Diplomatic, trade, and cultural engagements have strengthened in recent months, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation. The recent high-level exchanges and agreements on agriculture, education, and tourism promotion are a welcome development, as they pave the way for even stronger collaboration between our countries. We hope this momentum continues, especially as we look toward the goal of a more integrated ASEAN Economic Community.

Thailand and the Philippines have shared decades of friendship and cooperation, and bound not just by diplomacy but by deep historical, cultural, and familial ties. Our peoples share a love for peace, faith, and family. We are bound by our common aspirations for prosperity, stability, and a better future for our youth.

As we mentioned in our earlier columns, as Speaker of the House of Representatives and after we retired from elective office in 2010, we made numerous visits to Thailand, strengthening ties between the two nations. Our efforts extended beyond bilateral relations, as we founded the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), a groundbreaking initiative that brought together political leaders across Asia to foster dialogue and collaboration.

Bangkok played host to several ICAPP conferences, symbolizing the city’s role as a crossroads of cultures and ideas. These meetings underscored our respective countries’ commitment to promoting peace, democracy, and economic development in the region. We regard Bangkok as more than just a city of diplomatic engagements; it has been a hub for advancing our vision of regional cooperation.

As we take in the sights and sounds of Bangkok — from its golden temples to its bustling night markets and tranquil riverside shrines — we are reminded once again of the importance of regional peace, understanding, and shared development.

We continue to hope that Thailand and the Philippines, and indeed all of ASEAN, will continue to move forward together — in unity, in strength, and in solidarity.