Manila, Aug. 21 -- The Philippines serves as a "premier strategic gateway" for Latin American firms that are looking to expand into Southeast Asia's USD4 trillion market, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.

In separate foreign policy speeches during her official visit to Brazil and Chile from Aug. 10 to 13, the Filipino diplomat highlighted Manila, Santiago, and Brasilia's growing cooperation, similarities, and strong people-to-people ties.

"Formal agreements open doors, but people and businesses sustain resilient economies. Our shared history, faith, and cultural affinities form a natural foundation for academic exchanges, tourism, and talent mobility between our regions," she said in her remarks in Chile.

"Upon this hu...