MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2, 4:40 p.m.) — Countries and embassies sent their messages of condolences following the death of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who passed away Thursday morning.
Aquino, 61, was president of the republic from 2010 to 2016, riding a wave support after the death of his mother, Corazon Aquino, in 2009.
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During his term, he ushered in key economic reforms, launched anti-corruption crusade and vowed to combat poverty.
The delegation of the European Union was among the first to send condolences to the Aquinos and the Filipinos.
“EU in the Philippines mourns a friend who pushed for the deepening of our bilateral relationship,” it said, adding the EU-Philippines Partnership Cooperation Agreement was signed during Aquino’s term. The agreement was ratified in June 2018.
Aquino’s visit to Brussels in 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the relations of the two nations.
The German Embassy in Manila expressed “great sadness and sorrow” over the death of the former chief executive. It said Aquino’s state visit in Germany in 2014 “marked an important milestones in intensifying German-Philippine relations.”
During his visit, where he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former President Joachim Gauck, several bilateral agreements and exchanges of notes in the areas of social security, trade and education.
The Embassy of France said the former president “leaves a legacy of leadership and reform founded on democratic values, economic prosperity and honesty."
It also noted the launch of Manila Call to Action on Climate Change in 2015, which marked the commitment of the Philippines and France to the fight against climate change.
Legacy of partnership
Diplomats from other countries also offered their condolences.
“We are saddened by President Aquino’s passing and will always be thankful for our partnership,” US Embassy in Manila Chargé d’Affaires John Law said.
Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson said Aquino will be remembered fondly for his state visit to Australia in 2012 and the “legacy of partnership and bayanihan we shared.”
British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce said he is “extremely saddened” by the passing of the former president.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs mourned the death of Aquino who “elevated” the country’s conduct of foreign relation and steered foreign policy toward a “principled direction.”
He is survived by his sisters, Kris Aquino, Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and Pinky Aquino-Abellada.