President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, August 20 welcomed new ambassadors from Switzerland, Germany, Malaysia, Georgia, Estonia, and Malawi, expressing hope that the Philippines forge stronger bilateral relations with those countries.
First to present his credentials to President Duterte was Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen, commending the Philippine leader for his great achievements in the Bangsamoro peace process. He reiterated Switzerland’s full commitment to further support the peace process in Mindanao.
The Switzerland-Philippine relations are becoming stronger, particularly in the economic field, he added, noting Swiss companies contribute to impressive growth, innovation, and inclusive environment in the Philippines.
He vowed to work hard to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel also presented her credentials to the President. Describing the German-Philippine relations as “rich,” she said these cover a broad range of issues including cooperation in environment and climate-related matters, healthcare, culture and education, bilateral trade, business and economic cooperation.
“We also hope to be able to contribute to the ongoing transition process and stabilization of all of Mindanao,” she told the President, adding the progress on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is encouraging.
She looks forward to further enhancing these ties in the best interest of the two nations, hoping that relations would flourish in the coming years.
In presenting his letter of credence to President Duterte, Malaysian Ambassador Norman Bin Muhamad conveyed the warm greetings and well wishes of His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his Queen, as well as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
The new Malaysian envoy vowed to work with the Duterte government for the development of the two countries.
Three non-resident ambassadors also had an audience with President Duterte and presented their diplomatic credentials to the Chief Executive.
Highlighting the 27-year diplomatic ties between Georgia and the Philippines, the President told the Georgian ambassador, “We hope that the relations between the two countries would get even stronger in the years to come. I am honored to accept your letter of credence and welcome to the Philippines.”
In meeting President Duterte Tuesday, Väino Reinart, Estonia’s ambassador to the Philippines, conveyed the best personal wishes from Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid to the President and to the Filipino people.
As a response, President Duterte noted the almost three decades of excellent relationship between Estonia and the Philippines.
“We hope to build a more vibrant and more enhanced relationship in the years to come, especially in matters of cyber security and…where your country is very good. I’m honored to accept you today,” he told the new Estonian ambassador.
Last to present his credentials was Malawi’s Ambassador to the Philippines Grenenger Kidney Msulira Banda.
He conveyed the invitation of the leader of Malawi for President Duterte to visit the African country, saying, “I would like to also bring the message from my Head of State that is personally inviting you to Malawi should you have any opportunities. Either you go to Malawi or he comes to the Philippines.”
Aside from meeting the new ambassadors, President Duterte also met with Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammad Bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh of Saudi Arabia who arrived in the country for a parliamentary visit.
Mohammad, who is accompanied by the members of his delegation, is the president (Speaker ) of the Majlis Al Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Also present were House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto, and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives Mujiv Hataman and Raneo Abu.
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