Manila, March 11 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (New York time) emphasized the importance of migration and the protection of migrants and seafarers.

Speaking during the special plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters here, Marcos said migration is "a force for good and that migrants contribute to sustainable development in the countries of their origin, in transit, and in their destinations."

"Migrants, including seafarers, connect our nations," Marcos said.

Marcos said migrant rights should unite, not divide, countries.

"Their dignity and rights should serve as a unifying principle, not a divisive fault line, for governments worldwide," he said.

Marcos emphasized the Phil...