MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said the Philippines will be in a better position to resolve pressing challenges amid tense regional geopolitical situation if it forges strong partnerships with like-minded nations.

In a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Marcos said the Philippines has to tread a fine line between great powers to push its interest.

It’s very important for the Philippines to work with other countries to resolve conflicting territorial claims in the region, Marcos said, noting that no country can fix it by itself.

“But again the stronger and better the partnerships that we make, not only with ASEAN, but even ASEAN, not only within ASEAN, but Australia, Japan, South Korea and all the neighboring countries,” Marcos said.

“The stronger our partnerships are, I think the better position we find ourselves in. To be able to resolve some of these problems peacefully and that is the main point, it must maintain peace,” the President pointed out.

In response, Albanese told President Marcos about the need to cooperate with China in resolving major issues. (PND)