MANILA - New York-based Conde Nast Traveler (CNT) has recognized the Philippines' charm once again, listing it as one of the 40 most beautiful countries in the world. The Philippines, joined by South Africa, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and the United States, was cited for the natural attractions the country has to offer. "There are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, and they easily number among the most beautiful in the world," CNT writer Caitlin Morton wrote in a June 2 article. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Photo by Joyce Ann Rocamora) "The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan encompasses mangrove forests, one of the world's most impressive cave systems, and an underground river. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island consist of an estimated 1,776 grass-covered domes that are mysteriously uniform in shape. The rice terraces of both Banaue and the Philippine Cordilleras provide panoramic views of every shade of gre
MANILA - The Australian Embassy in Manila assured the Philippines that it can rely on Canberra as a partner in upholding rules-based order in the region. The statement, dated June 17, comes after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. expressed disappointment over Australia's decision not to support the Philippines' bid in the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). The Embassy said Australia does not disclose specific details of its voting intentions on each multilateral candidacy but it gave assurance that it "remains firmly committed" to working with Manila, including in the CLCS. "Australia remains firmly committed to working with the Philippines and other partners, including in the CLCS, to support the UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) in establishing maritime zones and upholding the rules-based order," according to the statement. "As a long-standing partner and strong supporter of the Philippines,
GENEVA - More than 50 trade ministers at the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting in Geneva on Sunday issued a supporting statement for embattled Ukraine and its ability to trade, underlining the importance of maintaining open and predictable markets. The ministers issued the statement on the opening day in Geneva of the first meeting of trade ministers in five years, an event that was postponed several times from June 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They expressed deep sadness "at the devastating human losses and profound suffering caused by the aggression against Ukraine," supporting UN General Assembly resolutions that have condemned the war started by Russia on Feb. 24. "The war is also having a devastating impact, including on Ukraine's economy and ability to trade," said the ministers, warning that the blockage of access to the Black Sea is seriously jeopardizing food supplies to some of the most vulnerable parts of the world. "The destruct