President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the credentials of four new ambassadors in Malacañang on Wednesday.
Duterte welcomed Ambassadors Folakemi Ibidunni Akinleye of Nigeria, Borhan Uddin of Bangladesh, William John Carlos of Ireland, and Raduta Dana Matache of Romania.
In accepting the credentials of Akinleye, the President hoped that the bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Nigeria in areas of mutual interest would be further enhanced.
“We look forward to deeper engagement bilaterally and in various multilateral fora to advance our shared aspiration for peace and prosperity for our peoples,” he said.
Duterte told Uddin that the Philippines values its “long-standing friendship” with Bangladesh as he cited the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two nations next year.
“I hope to see more bilateral exchanges especially as we work towards the whole post-pandemic recovery and sustainable growth,” he also said.
The Chief Executive said he expects Ireland’s support for the resumption of the negotiation on the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement, stressing the need for “robust” trade and investment relations to ensure “faster and inclusive” recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
He likewise thanked Ambassador Carlos for his government’s hospitality extended to Filipinos living and working in Ireland.
On one hand, Duterte encouraged Matache to organize “worthwhile activities” that would contribute to the Philippines and Romania’s mutual goals.
“Rest assured of the Philippine government’s cooperation as we endeavor to enhance and strengthen our bilateral relations,” according to him.
