The international community is mourning [the passing of the Philippines' former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario.](https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/18/former-foreign-affairs-chief-albert-del-rosario-passes-away)
The ambassadors of the European Union (EU), Czech Republic, Japan, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom as well as the embassy of Canada expressed their sympathies with the Filipino people following the news of Del Rosario's death.
All of them were in agreement that the country's former top diplomat significantly contributed to the advancement of the Philippine relations with other nations.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron described him as "soft-spoken," but an "indefatigable diplomat and patriot whose role in strengthening EE-Philippines relations was critical."
Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Treybalova Sediva and her embassy in Manila had the same thoughts about del Rosario: "A brilliant diplomat and public servant, Sec. Del Rosario’s dedication to strengthening and deepening ties between the Czech Republic and the Philippines is demonstrated by the various key roles he played in foreign policy, especially between the Philippines and Europe."
For Japanese Ambassador to the Philippine Koshikawa Kazuhiko, del Rosario's contributions to the relationship between Tokyo and Manila, as symbolized by the conferment of a Japanese Decoration last year and his leadership to uphold the rule of law in the sea, "will never be forgotten."
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu believed that Del Rosario "will always be remembered," particularly for his support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the rules-based international order.
Del Rosario was "a great friend" of the United Kingdom, according to its envoy in Manila, Laure Beaufils. US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, meanwhile, was saddened by his loss as "his commitment to the U.S.-Philippine relationship will never be forgotten."
Del Rosario led the Philippines in its territorial fight against China over the West Philippine Sea. Manila won against Beijing in its arbitral case filed in the Hague.
The Canadian Embassy in Manila said that under his leadership, Canada and the Philippines collaborated to advance their "thematic priorities," which were international law and the welfare of migrant workers.
They also worked on a "wide range of areas, including the promotion of democratic development, international security, and the promotion and protection of human rights" during del Rosario's stint.
"While we mourn his passing, we join his family and colleagues in celebrating his commitment to the international rules-based order, peace, and diplomacy," the embassy added.