President-elect Ferdinand 'Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (4th from left) poses beside (from left) Senator Imee Marcos, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Imelda Marcos, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Irene Marcos, Maria Louise Marcos and House Majority leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, during his proclamation ceremony at the House of Representatives, Quezon City, Philippines on May 25, 2022. (AARON FAVILA / AP PHOTO)

MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos swore in career diplomat Luis Enrique Manalo as the country's new foreign secretary on Friday.

Before his appointment, Manalo, 69, was the permanent Philippine representative to the United Nations. He previously served as undersecretary for policy at the Department of Foreign Affairs and also acted as acting foreign secretary during the Duterte administration.

He said the relations with China are "very important" and "advantageous to both countries," considering China as his country's "strongest partner" in pandemic recovery

Having been working with the DFA since 1979, Manalo has a seasoned career, serving as an ambassador in various countries and international organizations, including Britain and the European Union.

READ MORE: Chinese, Philippine officials to meet on S. China Sea

In a speech in June, Marcos vowed to foster "stronger and deeper" Philippines-China relations.

He said the relations with China are "very important" and "advantageous to both countries," considering China as his country's "strongest partner" in pandemic recovery.

"We look forward to continuing fostering this relationship. Making it stronger. Making it deeper and to the advantage of our two great countries," Marcos said, adding that he sees the future of Philippines-China relations "developing in many ways."

ALSO READ: ASEAN FMs urge parties concerned to de-escalate tensions on Korean Peninsula