The Philippines is set to open four foreign missions in North America and the Asia Pacific to widen its reach worldwide, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday.

Speaking before members of the diplomatic corps during the Vin d’Honneur at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Marcos said the country will broaden and strengthen its diplomatic reach with foreign governments, with independent foreign policy at the core.

“Early in my presidency, I vowed to re-introduce the Philippines to the world and jumpstart meaningful, concrete, and mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive growth for this country in the 21st century economy,” he said.

Marcos said the Philippines embarked on a diplomatic agenda that leverages international partnerships and increases cooperation with both traditional partners and new allies in the past two years.

These engagements, he said, resulted in numerous high-level visits by world leaders and ranking foreign officials.

“Through our independent foreign policy, we have broadened and strengthened our diplomatic reach and engagements with the world,” he said.

In 2024, the Philippines opened four embassies in Europe and Latin America. With more missions set to open, the country’s foreign service posts this year will reach 102 in total.

“We are poised to establish more down the road. We welcomed the opening of some embassies in Manila in 2024, such as Bahrain and Slovenia, and are eager to welcome new foreign missions in the years to come, such as from Central Asia,” he said.

“Our continued pursuit of our constitutionally mandated independent foreign policy has also allowed us to function and flourish in the complex web of interactions with various international actors,” he added.

Meanwhile, he reaffirmed that the Philippine foreign policy would remain anchored on peace and fostering cooperation while also ensuring international law is “faithfully complied with.” (PNA)