Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening ties with the United Kingdom (UK) and Belgium as he welcomed their new ambassadors. In separate ceremonies at Malaca±an Palace on Tuesday, Marcos received the credentials of UK Ambassador Sarah Hulton and Belgian Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos told Hulton that the Philippines considers the UK as its steadfast partner. ‘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,’ he said, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Hulton expressed her anticipation of collaborating with the Marcos administration in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities. She also conveyed condolences for the victims of recent natural disasters in the Philippines and reaffirmed the UK’s support for humanitarian efforts. ‘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,’ Hulton said.
The Philippines and the United Kingdom established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. Meanwhile, Marcos expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Belgium would deepen under Iordanova’s watch. “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,” he told Iordanova, as quoted by the PCO.
Iordanova assured Marcos of her commitment to enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium were established on July 4, 1946.