Received Republic of Korea 🇰🇷 Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa today for his farewell call. I thanked him for his contributions to the 🇵🇭🇰🇷 Strategic Partnership, with the ROK looking forward to the upcoming ASEAN Ministerial Meetings this July.

It was a pleasure to receive MECO Chairperson Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos at the DFA. During her courtesy call, she shared MECO’s ongoing work to promote tourism, trade and investment, people-to-people exchanges, and the welfare of Filipinos in Taiwan.

The Philippines conveys its deepest sympathies to the people and government of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country. Deeply familiar with natural disasters and its impact, we pray for the swift recovery and rebuilding of affected communities.

Productive meeting with UAE Ambassador H.E. Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi today where we discussed strategic avenues to further deepen PH-UAE 🇵🇭🇦🇪 bilateral relations, with a strong focus on advancing economic diplomacy and expanding people-to-people exchanges. Promising initiatives lay ahead for our nations.

As we mark 128 years of Philippine diplomacy, I honor the exemplary men and women of the DFA who work relentlessly far from the limelight. In my first year leading this Department, our focus has been clear: strengthening the DFA as an institution. To project strength abroad, we must ensure strength at home—grounded in excellence, integrity, and absolute public trust. This internal strength is what enables us to steer a pragmatic, principled, and independent foreign policy in a shifting global landscape. Anchored firmly on the national interest, the DFA remains the primary instrument of our nation’s voice. Together, we will remain the anchor that holds our nation fast, and the sail that carries her forward. 🇵🇭

I received today Ambassador Carmen Azurín, Peru's first resident ambassador to the Philippines in 23 years. The reopening of the Peruvian Embassy in Manila is significant to strengthening 🇵🇭🇵🇪ties and moves us toward closer cooperation @CancilleriaPeru

Pleasure to speak with the new Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tone Kajzer (@TKajzer) this afternoon. During his introductory phone call, I affirmed 🇵🇭's readiness in working closely with 🇸🇮 in further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our countries.

My best wishes and congratulations to Ambassadors Marie Fontanel of France 🇫🇷, Maria Alfonsa Magdalena Geraedts of the Netherlands 🇳🇱; and Nicolas Brühl of Switzerland 🇨🇭 whose tours of duty in the Philippines will be concluding soon. I thank their Excellencies for deepening their respective countries’ bilateral relations and people-to-people ties with 🇵🇭.

WATCH: In his departure message on Tuesday (June 16, 2026), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. says his visit to Kazan, Russia carries both regional and personal significance as it marks his first visit to Russia. Marcos, this year’s ASEAN chair, will visit Russia to attend the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit. “As Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines is committed to ensuring that this Commemorative Summit produces substantive and forward-looking outcomes that deepen ASEAN’s Strategic Partnership with Russia and contribute, in concrete terms, to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity,” Marcos said. | @RuthAbbey (🎥: Bongbong Marcos FB)

Pleasure to meet @AusAmbPH today with updates on Australia's assistance on the ground following the recent earthquake in Mindanao. The meaningful support felt by our kababayans demonstrates the enduring 🇵🇭🇦🇺 partnership. Even in challenging times, our nations stand together in solidarity and compassion.

Had an insightful meeting with UN ASG Kanni Wignaraja (@UN_Wignaraja). Our discussions centered on advancing sustainable development through, among others, robust South-South cooperation initiatives.

Insightful exchange today with Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) DG Leandro Pascua. We focused on leveraging ASEAN, regional, and international partnerships to strengthen IPOPHL’s institutional capacity. Keeping 🇵🇭 at the forefront of innovation and intellectual property remains a top priority.

Thank you for the kind greetings, @SenatorWong! Grateful for Australia’s enduring friendship over the past 80 years. Here’s to deeper cooperation for a free, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. 🇵🇭🇦🇺

Thank you @IruthishamAdam for your warm congratulations on our Independence Day. We look forward to working closely to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation and friendly ties. 🇵🇭🇲🇻

Honored to join Mayor @franciszamora30 & San Juan City as Guest of Honor for the 128th Independence Day at the historic Pinaglabanan Shrine. 🇵🇭 ​True resilience is an active choice to stand our ground. The DFA proudly inherits the Katipunero legacy—protecting and promoting our national interests abroad and empowering every Filipino.

Warmest thanks to @DrSJaishankar for the kind Independence Day wishes. We deeply value the enduring friendship and robust strategic partnership between our two nations.

Pleasure meeting with AMRO Director Yasuto Watanabe today. We appreciate the valuable updates on @amro_asia's steady engagement, particularly through the ASEAN Plus Three process. Strong financial cooperation remains vital as we work together toward regional economic stability and growth.

Great discussion today with ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe on the latest updates regarding their study on a regional stockpiling strategy. We look forward to close cooperation with @ERIAorg as we navigate the energy crisis and work toward our long-term goal of building our energy resilience.

O Ministro Mauro Vieira manteve hoje telefonema com a Secretária de Negócios Estrangeiros das Filipinas, Maria Theresa Parreño Lazaro.

Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro visited Tokyo from 09 to 11 June 2026 to participate in the 31st Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia, where she joined regional leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in discussions on key political, economic, (1/2)