PH, Niue establish diplomatic relations

MANILA – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Niue Prime Minister Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi have signed a joint communiqué for the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Pacific Island nation.

The historic signing of the joint communiqué was held at the Reception Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday.

Marcos expressed hope that the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Nieu would give Filipinos and Niueans a "better future".

"We are optimistic that stronger cooperation between our countries will lead to a better future for our people," he said in a statement posted on his official Faebook page.

Emani, in a Twitter post, also expressed hope that the two nations' relations would grow.

"We look forward to growing this relationship and bringing together our people," Tagelagi said.

Dubbed as "Rock of Polynesia," Niue is an island state in the South Pacific that is located about 2,400 kilometers northeast of New Zealand.

Niue, one of the three states in the Realm of New Zealand, is a self governing nation since 1974.

Under the Niue Constitution Act 1974, New Zealand provides the necessary economic and administrative assistance to Niue, as well as assistance with foreign affairs, defense and security if requested by the Government of Niue.

Meeting with envoys

Marcos also met with Ambassadors Ricardo Luis Bocalandro (Argentina), Antonio Jose Maria de Souza e Silva (Brazil), Claudio Alberto Rojas Rachel (Chile), Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez (Colombia), and Gerardo Lozano Arredondo (Mexico).

The diplomats paid a visit to Marcos at the President's Hall of Palace on Tuesday, state-run Radio Television Malacañang said.

Marcos, in a Facebook post, expressed gratitude to the ambassadors for paying a courtesy call.

"We look forward to strengthening ties and cooperation between our nations to realize the hopes and dreams of our people," he said. (PNA)