TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday for paying attention to regional peace in an interview with Indian media.

During a visit to India, Marcos said his country bore responsibility for regional peace, stability, security, and humanitarian relief. As Taiwan was close to the Philippines, if a conflict broke out, Manila would be unable to keep its distance, Marcos said.

The government had the responsibility to protect the territory and sovereignty of the Philippines, he said. The country also closely monitored the safety of its people living and working in Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that as Marcos frequently stated, peace in the Taiwan Strait was of crucial importance, with stability mattering to all countries. The president’s emphasis on humanitarian values was also highly commendable, according to the ministry.

Taiwan and the Philippines would remain in close contact to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations. The protection of each other’s citizens formed an important element of the partnership, the ministry said.