By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening ties with Australia, Israel, the Maldives, and Nepal, as he formally received the credentials of their new ambassadors during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday.
The ambassadors who presented their credentials were Marc Innés-Brown (Australia), Dana Kursh (Israel), Dr. Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed (The Maldives), and Netra Prasad Timsina (Nepal).
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) shared on its official Facebook page several photos during the ceremonial presentation of credentials.
In his meeting with Marcos, Innés-Brown said Australia considers the Philippines one of its important strategic partners, citing efforts to improve bilateral ties and strengthen collaboration in key areas, according to a statement posted on the Facebook page of state-run Radio Television Malacañang.
“Among the efforts he highlights is the ongoing exercise on Amphibious and Land Operations (ALON), a two-week multinational exercise scheduled to run through August 29 in Palawan and Luzon. It involves more than 3,700 military personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the United States Marine Corps’ Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, and the Royal Canadian Navy,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, he outlines key messages from Canberra: first, the priority of advancing the Strategic Partnership; second, the goal to strengthen the bilateral relationship; and third, amid shared geostrategic challenges, Australia intends to continue cooperating with and supporting the Philippines where possible,” it added.
Innés-Brown, a seasoned diplomat, previously served as lead envoy to Türkiye, Iran, and Iraq, and has held postings in Thailand and the United States.
The Philippines and Australia established formal diplomatic relations in 1946, making it one of the Philippines’ longest-standing bilateral partnerships.
In 2023, diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Australia were elevated from a comprehensive partnership to a Strategic Partnership, paving the way for broader cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and defense policy.
The two nations will celebrate 80 years of bilateral relations in 2026.
Special bond
Kursh, for her part, emphasized the Philippines and Israel’s special bond, which dates back to the late 1930s when President Manuel Quezon issued the “Open Doors Policy”, offering refuge in Manila to 1,300 Jews fleeing persecution.
He also assured Marcos of Israel’s support in helping achieve the Philippine government’s vision of “Bagong Pilipinas”, looking forward to strengthening collaboration in various fields such as agriculture, water solutions, defense, technology innovation, health, cybersecurity, tourism, and disaster management.
The Philippines and Israel formally established diplomatic relations on Aug. 9, 1957, although the Philippines had recognized the State of Israel since Aug. 14, 1948.
Strong ties
Marcos likewise expressed optimism about the Philippines’ stronger ties with Nepal and the Maldives under the leadership of the new non-resident ambassadors, the PCO said.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally accepted the credentials of H.E. Dr. Netra Prasad Timsina, Non-Resident Ambassador-Designate of the Government of Nepal, emphasizing the strong ties between the Philippines and Nepal,” it said.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the credentials of H.E. Dr. Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed, Non-Resident Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Maldives, highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to deepen its relations with the Maldives.”
