President Marcos welcomed eight new ambassadors to the Philippines, hoping that the country could enhance its bilateral cooperation with their countries.
Marcos received the new envoys at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, May 22, as they presented their credentials as new non-resident ambassadors-designate.
The ambassadors were Ibrahim Bileh Doualeh, non-resident ambassador-designate of the Republic of Djibouti; Jagdishwar Goburdhun, Grand Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK), Republic of Mauritius; Farhod Arziev, Republic of Uzbekistan; and Hassan Abdelsalam Omer, Republic of Sudan.
The President also welcomed Major General Gotsileene Morake, non-resident ambassador-designate of the Republic of Botswana; Mait Martinson, Republic of Estonia; Morecome Mumba; Republic of Zambia; and Abdelhafid Bounour, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Security issues
As he received the Estonian ambassador, Marcos hoped the Philippines could continue discussions on security issues with the European nation.
“We welcome you as ambassadors to the Philippines as I’m sure that your President has begun very important talks in terms of some of the security issues that both our countries are happy to [address]. I hope that we can continue with that discussion,” Marcos said.
Martinson said the Philippine-Estonia relationship is a “positive renaissance” in which the two nations can combine their complementary experiences in various fields such as digital development and cybersecurity.
“If we really manage to get the best and to raise it for our world. If we really manage to get the best and to raise it for our wealth benefits. And I'm glad I'm here with a wonderful honor and console who is making sure that we have a positive outcome in our relation,” Martinson told Marcos.
Health, agri ties
In welcoming the ambassador of Mauritius, the President expressed hopes the two nations can explore ways to further strengthen their relationship.
In response, Goburdhun said he is looking at special collaboration with the Philippines in the health and agriculture sectors to combat diseases and boost agricultural production.
In receiving Djibouti’s ambassador, the Chief Executive expressed gratitude to the Djibouti’s government for aiding Filipino seafarers whose vessel was struck by an anti-ship missile in the Gulf of Aden.
“Thanks for all help that you have given [to the] Filipino seafarers in times of great need. And we hope to continue this relationship. And [I hope] the amity between our two countries will grow and [bring us closer],” Marcos told Ambassador Doualeh.
He also expressed to the Sudanese ambassador his hope that his time as ambassador to the Philippines "will be a time where we can begin closer relationship. I look forward to that day and I think there are many possibilities.”