President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday received in Malacañang eight new non-resident ambassadors-designate from different states, hoping the Philippines could enhance bilateral cooperation with those countries.
Among those who presented their credentials were Ibrahim Bileh Doualeh, non-resident ambassador-designate of the Republic of Djibouti; Jagdishwar Goburdhun, G.O.S.K., Republic of Mauritius; Farhod Arziev, Republic of Uzbekistan; and Hassan Abdelsalam Omer, Republic of Sudan.
Also welcomed by the President were 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.
Receiving the Estonian ambassador in Malacañang, President Marcos hoped the Philippines could continue discussions on security issues with the European nation.
“We welcome you as ambassador 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,” President Marcos said.
Ambassador 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 the President.
In welcoming the ambassador of Mauritius, President Marcos expressed hopes the two nations can explore ways to further strengthen their relationship.
“I officially welcome you as the ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the Philippines and I hope that [during the] time that you are here we can find ways to explore partnerships,” President Marcos said.
As a response, Ambassador Goburdhun said he is looking at special collaboration with the Philippines in the health and agriculture sectors to combat diseases and boost agricultural production.
As to the Sudanese ambassador, President Marcos said, “I hope your 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.”
Sudan and the Philippines established their bilateral relations on March 7, 1976, with the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, exercising concurrent jurisdiction over Sudan.
In receiving Djibouti’s ambassador to the Philippines, President Marcos 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],” President Marcos told Ambassador Doualeh. | PND