China National Convention Center, Beijing, China
April 26, 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pledged that the Philippines shall always be a responsible member of the international community in securing a better future for the next generation, highlighting the country’s commitment in ‘promoting global cooperation and respecting national sovereignty.’

“This part of the model is truly to transform our world for the better. Yet even before multilateralism and the new globalization matured, we in Southeast Asia already envisioned a community that promotes shared prosperity and mutual respect,” President Duterte affirmed in his remarks at the High Level Meeting Session 1 of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

The President considered the forum as an opportunity to redefine international cooperation, which he said is a key factor to sustain growth. He highlighted several key factors encompassing the premise of the Philippines’ engagement with the world.

These include the pursuit of an independent foreign policy, the welfare of migrant workers, and regional peace, among others. Moreover, President Duterte underscored the importance of human connections and people-to-people exchanges as key factors to achieve growth.

“It is through these connections that we facilitate grand exchanges of skills, ideas, and experience. It is also through linkages that we forge and build trust and understanding,” the President declared.

He then reiterated that the Philippines shall continue to participate and contribute, as well as cooperate towards mutual peace and common development.

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