President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about strengthening diplomatic ties with Colombia, Cambodia, and Ukraine, emphasizing goals of lasting peace and prosperity.
President Marcos welcomed the countries’ new resident ambassadors to the Philippines in separate ceremonies at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, where he received the credentials of Colombian Ambassador Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito, Cambodian Ambassador Sin Saream, and Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Oleksandrivna Fediv.
“I believe there’s more that we can do, that we can explore many other sectors, and strengthen and deepen the relations between our two countries,” Mr. Marcos told Rojas Garavito.
The Colombian ambassador echoed the sentiment, citing his country’s shared aspirations with the Philippines for “lasting peace and development.”
Formal diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1946, with about 100 Filipinos currently residing in Colombia.
During his meeting with Saream, President Marcos highlighted the solid foundation of Philippines-Cambodia relations, which began in 1957.
The Cambodian envoy expressed commitment to further enhance cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. Roughly 7,500 Filipinos live in Cambodia as of June 2024.
Fediv, Ukraine’s ambassador, emphasized her readiness to advance bilateral ties and work on collective efforts promoting peace and prosperity.
President Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ support for Ukraine’s pursuit of peace amid ongoing conflict.
“We will always support you in your efforts for peace,” the president said.
“We are happy to welcome you here and discuss what we in the Philippines might be able to do to contribute to your quest for peace,” he added.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Ukraine were established in 1992. About 24 Filipinos are currently residing in Ukraine.