Phl seeks stronger ties with international community

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III today sought to strengthen relations between the Philippines and the international community.

In his speech at the annual New Year Vin D'Honneur for the diplomatic corps and Philippine officials held in Malacanang, the presidential palace, Aquino also thanked the international community anew for the assistance they extended to the victims of natural calamities last year.

"As president, I am filled with happiness and hope, knowing full well that the New Year provides many opportunities to deepen our cooperation and strengthen the partnerships we have forged," he said.

Aquino said the Filipino people will always remember the kindness shown by foreign donors who came to their rescue following a string of natural calamities that struck the country last year.

International aid poured into the country after central Philippines was devastated by a magnitude-7.2 quake in October and super typhoon Haiyan in November.

Aquino vowed that his government will continue to work towards "empowering Filipinos to become a "proactive agent of change in nation-building."