President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he had a “meaningful” phone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to strengthen trade collaboration and deepen bilateral ties between the Philippines and New Zealand.
In a Facebook post, Marcos shared a photo of himself on the call with Luxon, describing their discussion as productive and focused on advancing economic cooperation.
“Maganda at makabuluhan ang naging pag-uusap namin ni PM Christopher Luxon ngayong hapon tungkol sa mga kaganapan sa larangan ng kalakalan,” Marcos wrote. “Patuloy ang matatag nating ugnayan at pagtutulungan para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating rehiyon.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Luxon echoed the sentiment, calling Marcos an “important partner” in Southeast Asia. He said it was “good to reconnect” and emphasized the shared goal of supporting free and fair trade between the two nations.
“We discussed how we can continue to work together to support free and fair trade. We also checked in on the great work that our two countries are doing to take our relationship forward,” Luxon said.
Luxon last visited the Philippines in April 2024, where he and Marcos pledged to increase bilateral trade by at least 50 percent in the coming years.
According to government data, New Zealand was the Philippines’ 28th largest trading partner in 2023, with total trade amounting to USD495.37 million. It ranked as the country’s 38th export destination and 24th import source that year.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and economic growth, anchored in a shared advocacy for open and fair trade policies.