The Philippine Embassy in Morocco, closed for nearly 30 years, reopened with a new envoy to strengthen relations with the North African state, officials said Sunday.
Philippine ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja, the first Philippine envoy to Rabat in three decades, arrived in May 2021 a year after the chancery was opened in 2020.
A seasoned career diplomat, Baja presented his credentials to King Mohammed VI together with 38 other ambassadors on January 17, 2022, an embassy statement said Sunday.
In a ceremony replete with tradition, Baja was ushered to the King at the Throne room of the Royal Palace in Rabat.
Aside from Morocco, Baja is accredited as non-resident ambassador to Mauritania and is awaiting an opportunity to also present credentials in Guinea, Mali and Senegal.
After presenting his letters of credence from President Rodrigo Duterte, Baja extended the President’s best wishes and hope for a new era in Philippine-Morocco relations.
Also present during the ceremony was Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita who earlier received Baja in June 2021.
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with Morocco on April 10, 1975. Baja said the reopening of the Philippine Embassy is considered timely as Manila prepares for the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2025.
There are some 4,600 Filipinos in Morocco, mostly employed in the domestic, beauty and wellness and skilled sectors.
In his first meeting with the Filipino community in June 2021, Baja paid tribute to the good image of Filipinos in Morocco, describing them as the “better ambassadors of the Philippines in Morocco.”
He said several agreements were awaiting signature between the two countries in the areas of air services, cooperation between news agencies and diplomatic academies and political consultations.
