PRESIDENT Duterte accepted the credentials of five new envoys to the Philippines on February 11 at the Malacañang Palace.
The Chief Executive welcomed ambassadors from Brazil (Antonio Jose Maria De Souza E Silva), South Korea (Kim In-chul), France (Michéle Boccoz), Colombia (Marcela Ordoñez) and the European Union (EU) (Luc Véron).
Describing Brazil as an “old friend and partner” of the Philippines, Duterte said the two countries should work together to intensify trade and investment exchanges, especially in agriculture, biofuels, business-process outsourcing and logistics, as well as ensure universal access to the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine.
De Souza e Silva, in turn, said his country looks forward to further enhancing ties with the Philippines on agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, as well as trade and investments. He said he looks forward to deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Brazil, citing their special roles in interregional cooperation through Asean and the Southern Common Market, or MERCOSUR.
The Brazilian diplomat also lauded the Philippine government for its efforts and diligence in fighting the pandemic.
Duterte hailed South Korea as a valued friend and partner of the country, as he accepted the credentials of Kim. The President thanked the Korean government for its exceptional commitment to the Build, Build, Build program and support for the country’s defense modernization, as well as efforts to combat the pandemic.
Kim, meanwhile, thanked the Philippines for its historic contributions to the East Asian country: from the Filipino soldiers’ bravery in the Korean War, to its advocacy for the Republic of Korea during the advent of the latter’s democracy.
He assured the Chief Executive of the Korean government’s continuing support for Philippine infrastructure initiatives—including the ongoing Panguil Bay Bridge construction project in Mindanao.
Duterte also received Boccoz and assured her of the Philippines’s keen interest to further strengthen cooperation with France.
The Philippine leader welcomed the European country’s active participation in Build, Build, Build and defense-modernization programs, as he encouraged closer cooperation on defense, trade and investments, public health, tourism, as well as collaboration in these unprecedented times.
Boccoz noted that France will continue to step-up its defense and strategic cooperation with the Philippines, within its broader commitment to contribute to stability, free trade, the peaceful settlement of disputes, development, the fight against climate change, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Duterte also accepted the credentials of Ordoñez and acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
He encouraged deeper bilateral and regional engagement between the two nations, particularly with the ambassador’s designation as Colombia’s resident ambassador to the Philippines, and the South American country’s recent accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, or TAC.
He also said the Philippines is looking forward to stronger ties with Colombia in terms of trade and investment, defense, as well as addressing nontraditional security issues—including terrorism and other transnational crimes, as well as furthering the peace process given Colombia’s experience.
Ordoñez conveyed her hopes to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries by sharing Colombia’s best practices on the reintegration of former combatants, engaging the youth through sports as well as cultural and technological activities, and breakthroughs in education. She also pointed out the importance of opening a Philippine embassy in their country.
The President also expressed readiness to work with the EU for the “greater good” of the people, as he accepted the credentials of newly installed Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron.
Duterte emphasized the need to continue to reinforce Philippine-EU ties in face of new challenges and opportunities.
“The Philippines and the EU share a deep respect for democracy and the rule of law,” said the Chief Executive. “This will serve as a solid foundation for robust cooperation on the basis of mutual trust, respect and benefit. Ours is a long-standing relationship dating back to 1964.”
He said he was encouraged by the launch of the subcommittee on good governance, rule of law and human rights under Manila and EU’s Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) on February 5, which serves as a formal platform where views and concerns on issues related to human rights will be raised and discussed. The next Philippines-EU subcommittee meeting is expected to be held in the country in 2022.
“This signifies our shared resolve to implement this landmark agreement, notwithstanding the pandemic,” he said.
Duterte emphasized the need to prioritize efforts to intensify trade and investments through a free-trade agreement. He expressed his desire to partner with the EU to protect and promote all rights of all, especially the human rights of migrant workers. He said the Philippines is willing to further enhance cooperation on climate change and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“Those most responsible for climate change must be held to account, even as we work together to build our communities, resilience, and preparedness,” he said.
Duterte also thanked the EU for its support to the country’s justice sector, peace-building and development efforts in Mindanao, particularly with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as he said: “Excellency, the Philippines is ready to work constructively with the EU for the greater good of our peoples.”
For his part, Véron expressed eagerness to pursue the effective implementation of its PCA with the Philippines in all areas.
“By developing closer political relations, together we will strengthen multilateralism and cooperation [on] bi-national and global issues,” the French diplomat stated. “And we will be true to our shared pledge to a rules-based international order.”
Véron said the EU is working with the Philippines to expand trade and investments, promote maritime security, and maintain open and safe shipping routes. He cited how the EU and the Philippines have developed a strong economic and trade partnership.
“Since 2014, the EU has provided the Philippines with preferential trade access to the EU market based on sustainable development, principles, good governance and human rights,” he confirmed. “The EU, with its business community, is also the first foreign investor to the Philippines.”
The ambassador also cited the way the EU has recently established a Strategic Partnership with Asean, and looked forward to engage closely with the Philippines during its role as Asean coordinator for dialogue with the bloc starting this August.
On global warming, he said the EU is at the forefront of global efforts to fight climate change, and shares strategic interest with the Philippines on the environment.
“The EU has decided to cut further its emissions by 55 percent by 2030. [It] stands prepared for all times to support the Philippines [during] natural emergencies, like most lately following Typhoons Goni and Vamco. [We are] ready to work as well…on disaster preparedness,” he said.
Véron expressed readiness to have a productive political relationship with the Philippine government, notably to provide support in its efforts to overcome the pandemic and its effort to restart its economy.
“The EU and its member-states will continue their efforts to contribute to the international response to the pandemic including by guaranteeing affordable and fair access to vaccines for all,” he said.
He promised that the bloc would continue its participation in supporting peace and development in the Bangsamoro Region through a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Véron also assured the EU will be a “strong and reliable partner,” and vowed to build on robust foundations to move bilateral ties forward.
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