He told Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Hisham Sultan Al Zafir Al Qahtani that he is looking forward to expanding Manila’s cooperation with Riyadh in “various areas of mutual benefit [to the two countries’ peoples.”
“Over the past five decades, our bilateral relations have remained strong and resilient. Saudi Arabia is one of [our] oldest friends in the Middle East. Let us build on our past successes and elevate our relations to even greater heights,” he said.
He conveyed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s pledge of support for the Philippine government’s efforts to address Covid-19 and in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
When Belgium’s Ambassador to the Philippines Michel Parys presented his credentials, Duterte said he is optimistic that the Joint Plan of Action would be inked to expand the two countries’ cooperative ties.
“Before the pandemic, Belgium was the Philippines’ 25th top trading partner and 23rd export market. It is crucial that we revitalize our economic relations as this will be much needed for post-pandemic recovery,” he said.
Duterte said the Philippines is also counting on Belgium’s support for the resumption of talks on the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement and the Philippines’ coordinatorship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union relations.
During the presentation of credentials of Laure Beaufils, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island’s ambassador, Duterte expressed intent to further strengthen the two countries’ cooperation on Covid-19 response, labor, defense and security, support for Mindanao, climate change and other issues of mutual concern.
“The pandemic has not prevented us from deepening our bilateral engagement. This is most welcome,” Duterte said.
“I welcome the UK’s decision to delist the Philippines from its ‘Red List’ ban on international travelers. This will facilitate greater mobility and exchanges between our countries as the world works on establishing a new normal order as we recover from the pandemic,” he added.
He likewise expressed appreciation to the UAE for donating Covid-19 medical supplies and vaccines to the Philippines.
“I understand your government is looking at ramping up cooperation in the Philippines in addressing the pandemic. This is partnership that works,” Duterte told Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi.
Duterte conveyed to Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente his intent to enhance the cooperative and economic ties between the two countries.
The Philippines, he said, wants broader economic ties with Italy to accelerate post-pandemic recovery.
In this regard, the President sought Italy’s support for the resumption of discussions on the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
He also told Sweden’s Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg that he hopes to improve Manila’s trade and investment cooperation with Stockholm.
The President also reaffirmed the Philippines’ “friendly and cooperative” relations with Israel during the presentation of Ambassador Ilan Fluss’ credentials.
“We look forward to even better, broader engagement in Israel in the years ahead, particularly in defense, labor and tourism,” he said.
At the same time, he thanked Malta’s Ambassador to the Philippines Leopoldo Lazatin for his country’s humanitarian aid to the Philippines.
