PBBM receives credentials of envoys of Jordan, Chad, Fiji, Burundi

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday received the credentials of four newly appointed non-resident ambassadors to the Philippines from the countries of Jordan, Chad, Fiji, and Burundi during a simple ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The first to present his credentials was His Excellency Nasser S.H. Shraideh, non-resident Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Philippines, who conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein.

The Jordanian envoy also highlighted the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Jordan, noting five decades of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation.

During his tenure, Shraideh pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Marcos welcomed the envoy and expressed optimism about exploring new opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

“Our relations have been very warm, but the world is changing, and there are many new opportunities that we can explore and develop between our two countries to the benefit of both Jordan and the Philippines,” the President said in his brief remarks.

President Marcos then received the credentials of His Excellency Abakar Saleh Chahaimi, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to the Philippines.

The President expressed hope that the ambassador’s tenure would help strengthen diplomatic relations and open new avenues for cooperation between Manila and N’Djamena.

“I look forward to the time that you will be spending with us and make that time productive and constructive to find ways to bring our countries closer, to make our relations deeper,” President Marcos said.

His Excellency Ratu Isoa Delamisi Tikoca, non-resident Ambassador of Fiji to the Philippines, also presented his letter of credence to the President.

The Fijian envoy conveyed the greetings of Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to President Marcos and expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality the Philippine government extended to him and his delegation.

Tikoca reaffirmed Fiji’s longstanding friendship with the Philippines and acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Filipino community to Fiji’s development.

He also committed to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting shared prosperity between the two countries.

“I will endeavor to the best of my ability to strengthen our bilateral ties so that our cooperation grows stronger and our shared journey brings about mutual prosperity,” he said.

In response, President Marcos emphasized the close ties between the Philippines and Fiji, particularly in addressing common challenges.

“Our relationship has been one that is very, very close, that in the past few years has come closer in the face of the many common situations that we both face,” President Marcos said.

“And I look forward to building even more bridges and bringing our countries even closer in the time that you are with us,” the President added.

The last to present his credentials was His Excellency Telesphore Irambona, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Philippines.

Irambona conveyed the greetings of Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with the Philippines.

The envoy highlighted Burundi’s development goals and expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the Philippines as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.

Irambona also said he was honored to serve as Burundi’s first ambassador to the Philippines.

For his part, President Marcos emphasized that geographical distance should not hinder efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation between the Philippines and Burundi.

“It is a long way from your country to mine, but we will not allow physical distance to get in the way of bringing our countries closer together in the many opportunities that present themselves in this new modern world that we are facing,” President Marcos said.

“Once again, welcome to the Philippines, and I look forward to the work that we will do to deepen the relations between Burundi and the Philippines,” the President added.