President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Malacañang Photo)
President Marcos has met the new ambassadors of Belgium and the United Kingdom as they begin their tour of duty in the Philippines.
Marcos received Resident Ambassador of Belgium Vladislava Iordanova and Resident Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sarah Hulton at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The two new envoys have formally presented their credentials to the President in separate ceremonies.
In meeting the Belgian ambassador, Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippines and Belgium will continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
"Our two countries have enjoyed a long time of warm and cordial relations which I hope will continue and strengthen at every level, people-to-people level all the way to government-to-government level. I look forward to the work we will do to bring our countries closer together," Marcos said.
Ambassador Iordanova conveyed her respect and enthusiasm in assuming her post, affirming her commitment to deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium were established on July 4, 1946.
In receiving the credentials of the United Kingdom’s envoy, the President described the United Kingdom as a steadfast partner of the Philippines.
“The relations between the UK and the Philippines have certainly stood the test of time and have just grown stronger and deeper as the years go on,” he said.
“It is a great honor that I return to the Philippines after nearly 20 years, with a deep appreciation for our enduring friendship between our countries. We are proud to work alongside your government in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities,” Hulton said.
Hulton expressed condolences for the victims of recent natural disasters in the Philippines.
The Philippines and the United Kingdom established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946.