By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday, Dec. 5, he is seeking stronger ties with Mauritania and Mongolia after welcoming the ambassadors of the two countries in Malacañang.
Newly designated Mauritania Ambassador B.A. Samba Mamadou said he is eyeing to boost professional training and agriculture partnership of both countries.
“Mauritania is a very small country, population-wise, but we have natural resources, fishery. We have cooperation with countries like Japan, the European Union, China, and Turkey,” Samba told Marcos in a courtesy call.
“So I am looking forward to meeting some Filipino businessmen and see how I can really talk about the opportunities and tap opportunities that are in Mauritania,” Mamadou said, pointing out its goal to “diversify” ties with other partners for the benefit of Mauritania and its people.
Responding to the Mauritania ambassador, Marcos said a list of Filipino businessmen who could invest in Mauritania is being prepared.
“I think in terms of the economy in the Philippines, the biggest change in policy of this government from the last and previous ones, you see we are opening up the economy to partnerships — all kinds of partnerships, government-to-government, private partnerships, PPPs, whatever is most advantageous to both parties,” he added.
The chief executive also received Mongolian Ambassador to the Philippines Enkhbayar Sosorbaram.
The President enumerated agriculture, energy, education, and basic services as the country’s priority areas for quick development as it comes out of the pandemic economy.
“So these are the areas that I think that [with] other countries we can cooperate in. And the two-way exchanges is always to the advantage of both sides. I’m looking forward to not only the visit — to visit your country, to visit Mongolia, but I’m looking forward to seeing our relationship grow and have much closer ties with Mongolia in the future,” Marcos told Sosorbaram.
Ambassador Sosorbaram, for his part, recognized the Philippines as a very important nation in Southeast Asia, which has collaborated with Mongolia on the world stage, especially in the United Nations.
The envoy extended to the Philippine leader the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh to visit Mongolia, preferably from June to August when the weather is more favorable.
The Philippines and Mongolia established their diplomatic relations in 1973.
