Latest news with #DepartmentofForeignAffairs
RTÉ News
12 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Tributes paid to cyclist, 25, who died on Tour de France trip
Tributes have been paid to a 25-year-old Irish man who died during a trip to see the Tour de France in Paris. Tomás Walsh, a talented cyclist from the Cheekpoint area of Co Waterford, died in the French capital in the early hours of yesterday morning. He had travelled to France to watch the 16th stage of the Tour de France today. Comeragh Cycling Club, where he was a member for the past ten years, described Tomás as the "life and soul" of the club. In a statement, a club spokesperson said: "Tomás joined us as a 15-year-old ten years ago and represented us at both underage and senior level where he had great success. "He was the life and soul of the club, a fantastic young man." The club said its members had been "truly shattered" by Tomás' death and extended their condolences to his family and friends. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and providing consular assistance.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DFA Rejects China's Student Safety Warning, Says PH Is Safe for Foreign Nationals
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday rejected China's recent advisory warning students about safety risks in the Philippines, saying the alert misrepresents the current situation in the country. In a statement, the DFA stressed that the Philippine government is actively addressing all incidents of crime—whether involving Chinese nationals or other foreigners—and that law enforcement authorities are handling these matters properly. 'All instances of crimes, including those involving Chinese and other foreign nationals as well as those perpetrated by foreign nationals against their own, are being addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities,' the DFA said. The advisory in question was issued by China's Ministry of Education on July 18. It called on Chinese students to 'assess the security risks' of studying in the Philippines, citing rising incidents of crime, stop-and-search operations, and alleged harassment. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the advisory, calling it a 'legitimate measure' meant to protect Chinese students abroad. He also urged the Philippines to take more steps to ensure their safety and rights. But the DFA countered these claims, saying they've already raised concerns over the inaccuracies in the advisory through diplomatic channels and urged China to make the 'necessary corrections.' 'The Philippine Government has been engaging with foreign embassies, including the Chinese Embassy, regarding these cases in good faith,' the DFA added, reaffirming its openness to continued constructive dialogue.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Marcos Heads to US for Talks With Trump on Trade, Security
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed for Washington, D.C. on Sunday for an official visit aimed at strengthening Philippine-US economic and defense relations. During his send-off speech at Villamor Air Base, Marcos highlighted his intent to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States, signaling the Philippines' readiness for deeper collaboration. 'I intend to convey to President Trump and his cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of,' Marcos said. The three-day visit, which runs from July 20 to 22, will include meetings with US President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Marcos also emphasized that while the agenda will focus on defense and security, trade issues — especially the 20% tariff on Filipino goods — will be a key part of discussions. 'This visit reaffirms our commitment to fostering our long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and a catalyst of development in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world,' he added. Several American businesses are also seeking to meet with the Philippine leader, according to Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano. Marcos is expected to invite Trump to attend the East Asia Summit, which the Philippines will host during its ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. Marcos is the first ASEAN head of state to make an official visit to the US under Trump's current term.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos flies to meet Trump in Washington visit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday departed for Washington. D.C. for an official visit which includes a meeting with US President Donald Trump. During his departure speech at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos said his visit aims to push for 'greater economic engagement.' 'I intend to convey to President Trump and his cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of,' Marcos said. 'I expect our discussions to focus on security and defense of course, but also on trade. And we will see how much progress we can make when it comes to the negotiations with the United States,' he added. The Philippine President also said his visit will reaffirm the Philippine's 'commitment to fostering our long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and a catalyst of development in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.' Among the topics Marcos and Trump will discuss is the steep 20% tariff rate on Filipino goods entering the US, as Manila hopes to strike a mutually acceptable and beneficial tariff deal with the US. Marcos' visit will be from July 20 to 22. The visit is the first by an ASEAN head of state to the United States under Trump's current administration. Aside from Trump, Marcos will have a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 21. Several businesses in the US also expressed their intention to meet with the Philippine leader, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said. Marcos will also invite Trump to attend the East-Asia Summit as the Philippines will host the ASEAN Summit in 2026. — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
China protests to Philippines over Taiwan, maritime and security issues
BEIJING - China has lodged "stern representations" to the Philippines over recent "negative moves" concerning Taiwan, as well as maritime and security issues, a Chinese foreign ministry statement said on Friday. Department of Asian Affairs Director-General Liu Jinsong conveyed the "stern representations" and "strong dissatisfaction" to Philippine Ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, on Friday, the statement added. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. GMA News Online contacted the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs for a statement but it has yet to respond as of posting time. —Reuters/with a report from Jamil Santos/KG, GMA Integrated News
