Australia, France look forward to working with ‘Pres. Marcos’

THE European Union (EU), Australia, France and Russia congratulated all the Filipinos and presumptive President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his victory in the May 9 presidential elections.

In his official twitter account, EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles said “Congratulations to all the people of the #Philippines on their national elections, to all the candidates who campaigned, and to the President-elect Marcos for his victory.”

“The EU looks forward to working with the new administration to advance our relations and EU-ASEAN ties,” he added.

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted “I congratulate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. @bongbongmarcos on being elected President of the Philippines at the national elections on 9 May.”

He said the Australian Government looks forward to continuing to advance their long-standing relationship.

France also congratulated the Philippines for the conduct of the national and local elections.

“As we celebrate 75 years of France-Philippines diplomatic relations this year, we look forward to working with the next President, Vice-President, and all officials democratically-elected by the Filipino people,” it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his congratulatory message to Marcos Jr. on his election as the next leader of the Philippines.

The Russian Embassy, in a tweet on Thursday night said “Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on the occasion of his victory at the elections of President of the Republic of the Philippines.”

United States President Joseph Biden Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier both hailed the historic election of Marcos Jr. as the next President of the Philippines.

Both countries look forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with the incoming administration.

Biden made a brief call with Marcos Jr. and underscored that he looks forward to working with the leading presidential contender to also expand bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including the fight against COVID 19, addressing climate crisis, promoting broad-based economic growth and respect for human rights.

The incoming President assured Biden that “the Philippines has always held the US in high regard as a friend, an ally and a partner.”

Marcos Jr. said he also invited President Biden to his inaugural on June 30, which could further fortify the relationship between the two countries.

France also congratulated the Philippines for the conduct of the national and local elections.

“As we celebrate 75 years of France-Philippines diplomatic relations this year, we look forward to working with the next President, Vice-President, and all officials democratically-elected by the Filipino people,” it said. By CRISTINA LEE-PISCO