President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday welcomed the reported ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a positive step toward de-escalation and regional stability, particularly with the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The two leaders made the statement during a joint press conference at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, June 16, where they were asked to react to the reported diplomatic breakthrough and its possible implications for other global flashpoints, including the South China Sea and the war in Ukraine.
Steinmeier stressed the importance of moving beyond formal agreements and ensuring that fighting actually ends on the ground.
"Every step in the direction of ending the fighting is a right step. We both therefore hope that we will see an actual agreement, not only a signing of a document, but that we will see an ending of the fighting and an end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
He warned that continued instability in the region carries serious global consequences, particularly on food security and commodity prices.
"This is not about abstract economic figures... it is the lives of hundreds of thousands of people that are affected. Food prices, the prices of fertilizers, reduced harvests in the coming years," Steinmeier added.
For his part, Marcos echoed the German president’s remarks, saying any step toward peace is welcome but cautioning that the situation remains uncertain.
"Yes, well, first of all, I would like to agree with the observation of President Steinmeier. Any step towards peace is a good step," Marcos said.
He noted that while reports of an agreement are encouraging, previous announcements of similar breakthroughs had failed to materialize.
"We have unfortunately heard these proclamations before, and they have not come true. But we're hoping that this one is the one that will come true," he said.
Marcos also highlighted the broader global impact of the conflict, saying instability in key trade routes affects economies worldwide, including the Philippines.
"This kind of instability makes life difficult for our own people... we are cautiously optimistic," he added, expressing hope for a lasting peace that would help stabilize global markets and ease pressure on energy and food prices.
Both leaders emphasized the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure the ceasefire leads to a durable and verifiable peace.
