By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As part of the government’s persistent efforts to expand bilateral relations with key allies, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed the new ambassadors of Belgium and the United Kingdom in separate ceremonies held at Malacañang on Tuesday.
Marcos received Resident Ambassador of Belgium Vladislava Iordanova, and Resident Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sarah Hulton, as they formally presented their credentials.
The President told the Belgian envoy, vowing to strengthen the bilateral relations between both nations, “Our two countries have enjoyed a long time of warm and cordial relations, which I hope will continue and strengthen at every level, people-to-people level, all the way to government-to-government level. I look forward to the work we will do to bring our countries closer together.”
Marcos, meanwhile, hailed the United Kingdom as a steadfast ally of the Philippines, which has greatly helped in various endeavors that led to the betterment of the nation.
“The relations between the UK and the Philippines have certainly stood the test of time and have just grown stronger and deeper as the years go on.”
Ambassador Hulton responded to the Chief Executive’s remarks, “It is a great honor that I return to the Philippines after nearly 20 years, with a deep appreciation for our enduring friendship between our countries. We are proud to work alongside your government in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities.”
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and both European nations were concurrently established on July 4, 1946.
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