MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to New Zealand on Thursday for ensuring the welfare of Filipinos and vowed to continue working with the leadership of the South Pacific nation to attain elevated and more meaningful relationship between the two countries.

“The camaraderie and friendly relations between Filipinos and Kiwis will remain as the strongest and most enduring connection that propels our common aspirations,” President Marcos said during the joint press conference with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Malacañang.

“We appreciate New Zealand for ensuring the welfare of almost 100,000 Filipinos who are pursuing academic courses, earning a living for their families, and achieving their dreams while positively contributing to the economies and societies of both the Philippines and New Zealand,” he said.

“And with Prime Minister Luxon admiring the beauty and wonders of the Philippines, he wished that the “next few years will see us welcoming a greater number of New Zealand nationals to visit, explore, and learn to love the Philippines,” the President further stated.

As the two nations set their sights on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2026, Marcos said he and Prime Minister Luxon have agreed to continue working together in a steadfast manner and united in the vision of an elevated and more meaningful relationship between the two countries.

Pending the results of the 2023 NZ Census on May 29, 2024, there are an estimated 100.000 Filipinos in New Zealand (72,612 based on the 2018 NZ Census, from only 40,347 in 2013 and 16,938 in 2006).

In terms of tourist arrivals, the Philippines recorded a total of 29,272 arrivals from New Zealand in 2023, up from just 17,503 in 2022, making New Zealand the 22nd source of visitors to the Philippines.

The Philippines and New Zealand established their formal diplomatic relations on July 6, 1966, with their relations now spanning 57 years. (PND)