Toast Remarks of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Official Luncheon in Honor of Paraguay President His Excellency Santiago Peña Palacios

His Excellency Santiago Peña Palacios, President of the Republic of Paraguay;

First Lady Louise Araneta – Marcos;

Esteemed members of the Philippine and Paraguayan delegations;

My colleagues in government;

Good afternoon.

Magandang hapon.

Buenas tardes.

At the onset, I wish to extend, on behalf of both the Filipino people and the Philippine Government, my best wishes to your government and all Paraguayans on the celebration of the 215th Independence Day of Paraguay that we will be celebrating later this week.

Mr. President, I acknowledge the historic nature of your presence here today, as your official visit marks the very first presidential visit in the 63 years of Philippines-Paraguay diplomatic relations.

With the productive conclusion of our bilateral meeting earlier today, I am confident that our two countries will forge closer cooperation in several areas, such as in agriculture, trade, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges.

In the same vein, I look forward to enhancing cooperation in regional and multilateral fronts, such as in the United Nations.

In the spirit of our renewed relationship and partnership, may I ask everyone to join me in a toast:

– To the continued success and good health of His Excellency President Santiago Peña Palacios, First Lady Leticia Ocampos de Peña, and their family;

– To the sustained progress and prosperity of the people of Paraguay on the 215th year
of its independence; and

– To the strengthened bond between the Philippines and Paraguay, toward a shared future where opportunities abound.

Mabuhay!

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