Pres. Aquino receives credentials of nine new ambassadors

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed nine new ambassadors to the Philippines as they presented their credentials in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday (Jan. 12).

President Aquino, assisted by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario and outgoing presidential protocol chief Celia Anna Feria, received the credentials of two resident ambassadors and seven non-resident ambassadors at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

The President first received the credentials of resident ambassadors Mohammad Tanhaei of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Amanda Louise Gorely of the Commonwealth of Australia. The two were given arrival honors at the Palace grounds before presenting their respective credentials.

The Chief Executive then received the credentials of non-resident ambassadors Marcin Kubiak of the Republic of Poland, Drazen Margeta of the Republic of Croatia, Askhat Orazbay of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yahya Ngam of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Nasreddine Rimouche of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Tumor Lkhagvadorj of Mongolia, and Abubacarr Jah of the Republic of The Gambia. All of them received foyer honors.

In his speech following the presentation of credentials, President Aquino underscored the importance of nations working together to be able to address global challenges and bring about a "peaceful, prosperous and progressive" world.

"The world is an increasingly smaller place. This naturally means that, while each of our nations has problems that are native to them, more and more of the issues we face do not recognize any national border. The front pages of our newspapers attest to this: in the past few years, we have read about pandemics, terrorism, global economic instability, and the increasing risk presented by climate change, among many other issues," he said.

"It is occasions like this, however, that restore my faith, because while it is true that these challenges are formidable, I still believe that they can be resolved with purposeful and united world action; that if we can complement each other's strengths, we can overcome these difficulties, and ultimately bring about a world that is truly peaceful, prosperous and progressive, where no nation --- and no individual --- is left behind," he added.

The President expressed hope that the new ambassadors would have a "productive" stay in the Philippines even beyond the end of his term.

"Apart from the responsibilities entrusted to you, it is also my hope that you will have enough leisure time to visit the many beautiful places in our country, experience the warmth of our countrymen, and realize why so many say that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines," he said.

"Perhaps your experiences will prove as even greater inspiration to deepen our ties, and give rise to a more productive engagement with one another, towards the betterment of our respective peoples," he said. (PCOO News Release)