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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos welcomes new envoys from Slovakia, Papua New Guinea, Laos

Marcos welcomes new envoys from Slovakia, Papua New Guinea, Laos

Published Mar 1, 2026 07:31 am
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. receives Ambassador Miloš Koterec of the Slovak Republic, Ambassador Stephen Pokanis of Papua New Guinea, and Ambassador Thiphasone Sengsourinha of the Lao PDR as they presented their credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan on Feb. 27, 2026. (Malacañang photos)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. receives Ambassador Miloš Koterec of the Slovak Republic, Ambassador Stephen Pokanis of Papua New Guinea, and Ambassador Thiphasone Sengsourinha of the Lao PDR as they presented their credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan on Feb. 27, 2026. (Malacañang photos)
President Marcos welcomed the newly appointed ambassadors of Slovakia, Papua New Guinea, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, expressing optimism that ties with the three countries will further deepen during their respective postings in Manila.
The President received Ambassador Miloš Koterec of the Slovak Republic, Ambassador Stephen Pokanis of Papua New Guinea, and Ambassador Thiphasone Sengsourinha of the Lao PDR as they presented their credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan.
Marcos described it as a “great honor” to welcome Koterec as Slovakia’s first resident ambassador to the Philippines, noting that there is much for both countries to develop and pursue.
He cited strong potential for expanded cooperation between Manila and Bratislava across various areas, including economic and business engagements.
Koterec, for his part, said he is fully committed to advancing tangible bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic ties, investments, and business partnerships.
He also noted prospects for collaboration in nuclear technology, education, academic exchanges, and mobility of people, as well as Slovakia’s intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Marcos likewise underscored the importance of people-to-people ties, especially the contributions of around 1,500 Filipinos working in different sectors in Slovakia.

Papua New Guinea

On relations with Papua New Guinea, the President expressed hope that ties will “continue to grow and deepen in the future” through stronger economic and people-to-people connections.
Ambassador Pokanis highlighted the robust government-to-government and people-to-people links between the two nations, including cooperation in trade and food investments, education, health services, and the movement of people over the past five decades.
The envoy also reiterated Papua New Guinea’s support for the Philippines in promoting regional peace and stability.

Lao PDR

Meanwhile, Marcos said the Philippines and the Lao PDR have established good relations not only bilaterally but also through domestic contacts and within the framework of ASEAN cooperation.
He expressed hope that more can be done to further promote ties between Manila and Vientiane in the coming years.
Sengsourinha, in presenting his credentials, pledged his full commitment to advancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Philippines during his tenure.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos PH-Slovakia PH-Papua New Guinea PH-Laos
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