Meeting with the ambassadors of Slovenia, Sweden, Palestine, and Egypt in Malacañan this week, President Marcos expressed hopes of forging deeper relations with their respective countries to promote peace and a rules-based international order.
Slovenian Ambassador-designate Smiljana Knez
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement that the Chief Executive met with Slovenian Ambassador-designate Smiljana Knez and Palestinian Ambassador-designate Mounir Y.K. Anastas on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
He also received the credentials of Swedish Ambassador-designate Anna Ferry and Egyptian Ambassador-designate Nader Nabil Zaki on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Sweden
Ferry informed the President that Sweden views the Philippines as a “priority partner,” emphasizing how both countries share common values, such as respect for human rights, the upholding of democracy, and the pursuit of progress.
She also expressed Sweden’s support to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the freedom of navigation that have become contentious issues between the Philippines and China amid the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. welcomes Swedish Ambassador-designate Anna Ferry in Malacañan on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
To this, the President remarked how both the Philippines and Sweden have grown “significantly” since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1947.
“You come in a particularly auspicious time when the development of relations between our two countries have grown significantly,” Marcos told Ferry.
Egypt
For his part, Zaki said that aside from strengthening bilateral relations, Cairo also hopes to enhance trade and investments and promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The Philippines and Egypt currently have education, cultural cooperation, and scientific and technical cooperation agreements.
Marcos said he hopes Zaki’s stay in the country will be “constructive and productive,” similar to the experiences of his predecessors.
Egyptian Ambassador-designate Nader Nabil Zaki
The Philippines and Egypt established formal diplomatic relations on March 3, 1946, marking this year as the 79th year of diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, the President also welcomed Knez and Anastas in two separate ceremonies at the Malacañan Palace.
Slovenia
Knez expressed Slovenia’s advocacy of international law and the rules-based international order and vowed to strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines and Slovenia in various areas, including people-to-people ties.
The Slovenian ambassador told the President that she “will work tirelessly and cooperate closely” with the government, business community, and cultural and scientific communities for the common benefit of both countries and peoples.
Marcos, for his part, said that his administration shares Slovenian values, which he described to be strong foundations for deepening the relationship between the Philippines and Slovenia.
Slovenia is scheduled to open an embassy in Manila, which is seen to boost Philippine-Slovenia cooperation.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1993, with Slovenia becoming a home to 462 Filipinos, mostly office-based workers, professionals, service workers, and technicians.
Palestine
Anastas, on the other hand, conveyed the Palestinian government’s commitment to continue its partnership with the Philippines.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. shakes hands with Palestinian Ambassador-designate Mounir Y.K. Anastas
“We can work towards a future where peace, mutual understanding, and prosperity prevail. Let us continue to stand united in the pursuit of justice and equality not only for nations but for all humanity. May peace and solidarity guide our path forward,” the envoy said.
Marcos also affirmed the Philippines’ shared values with Palestine in promoting peace.
“Let us continue to work on the basis of our shared values, on basis of peace, and prosperity along the lines of international order and human rights for all in the entire world,” the President said.
The Philippines and Palestine are celebrating the 35th year of its diplomatic relations, which was established in 1989.