Ambassador Massimo Santoro, the new Head of Mission of the European Union Embassy to the Philippines, presented his credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a ceremony held recently at Malacañang Palace.
Ambassador Santoro, who started his mission as EU Ambassador on Sept. 1, 2024, was previously Head of Division Policy Coordination/Head of Office of the Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
In his message, Ambassador Santoro stated, “Relations between the European Union and the Philippines – of which we commemorate the 60th anniversary – have never been so rich. From peace, security, good governance, to trade, climate and environment, green economy, digital, culture, education, and several other areas, the European Union is increasing its engagement with the Philippines as a key partner in South East Asia and the Indo-Pacific.”
"The European Union is eager to work for fruitful negotiations of a bilateral free trade agreement in the context of already prosperous relations in the economic, trade, and investment sectors. Our cooperation projects in the fields of climate, energy, environment, digitalization, good governance, peace, and human rights feature high on our partnership agenda,” said Ambassador Santoro.