PRRD receives credentials of 4 envoys

MANILA – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday received the credentials of four new diplomats deployed in the Philippines and expressed their intention to improve bilateral ties between their respective countries.

In a ceremony at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Duterte received the credentials of ambassadors from the Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of Indonesia, Argentine Republic, and the Hellenic Republic.

Duterte said in his speech upon receiving the credentials of Cambodian Ambassador to the Philippines Phan Peuv that the envoy will start his tour of duty on a “promising note” as the Philippines and Cambodia commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations.

He expressed optimism that high-level exchanges between their countries continue and chart the future course of their growing engagement beyond his term.

“Cambodia can count on the Philippines’ continued support and cooperation on its Asean Chairmanship this year. The Philippines remains committed to strengthening its relations with all its partners in the region,” he said.

He likewise congratulated Cambodia on the success of its Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) chairmanship last year.

Peuv hoped to further strengthen Philippine-Cambodian relations and bring their people and nation closer.

In a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo, Duterte described Indonesia as one of the country’s closest friends and regional partners.

“Our shared commitment to peace in our region and the development of our peoples have made us natural allies,” Duterte said.

He told Widjojo that despite the hurdles, he has the highest regard for Indonesian President Joko Widodo and is glad to have witnessed the strengthening of Philippine-Indonesian collaboration.

“The Philippines look forward to a more bilateral engagement with Indonesia as we advance our shared interest in the promotion of security in our region and work towards post-pandemic recovery,” he said.

Widjojo pledged to continue to cooperate in strengthening and expanding economic cooperation through close coordination between the two countries with bilateral and regional mechanisms in various fields.

Duterte told Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, the Argentine ambassador to the Philippines, at the presentation of his credentials that his arrival coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations among countries.

The Philippines, he said, looks forward to increasing cooperation with Argentina within the framework of the Philippine-Argentina Agreement on Technical Cooperation.

“We look forward to enhancing cooperation in the regional and multilateral fronts,” he said.

Duterte also thanked the Argentine government for the good treatment of Filipinos working and residing in Argentina.

Bocalandro vowed to continue improving Philippine-Argentine relations and the development that has existed between the two nations.

Duterte cited how the Philippines and Greece are set to mark the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties this year when he received the credentials of Greek Ambassador to the Philippines Ioannis Pediotis.

“Let us further deepen bilateral engagement for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” he said.

Duterte also expressed gratitude to Greece for the hospitality extended to Filipinos living in Greece and their continued support to the Filipino seafarers.

He also congratulated the Greek government for successfully hosting the first Defense Exhibition in Athens in July 2021 and looked forward to developing in its defense cooperation with Greece.

Pediotis is hopeful that she will be able to promote a “more advanced bilateral cooperation during her tour of duty.”