Marcos welcomes new envoys

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is looking to boost ties with Belarus, Ghana, Turkmenistan, Malta, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua upon welcoming on Tuesday the countries’ new envoys in Manila.

Ambassadors Raman Ramanouski of Belarus, Florence Buerki Akonor of Ghana, Atadurdy Bayramov of Turkmenistan, John Busuttil of Malta, Jaime Yorquis Francisco Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic and Sandy Anabell Dávila Sandoval of Nicaragua presented to Marcos their letters of credence at Malacañang.

The diplomats are non-resident ambassadors-designate, meaning they do not reside in the country where they are accredited as representatives.

Marcos hopes Nicaragua and the Philippines will “continue to develop the relations between our two countries” despite the distance.

“Although we are far away, we should not allow distance to get in the way of our continuing relations and I hope you should learn more about the Philippines and that you will be able to explore some other possibilities… to the mutual benefit of our countries,” he said.

Nicaragua and the Philippines established bilateral relations on Aug. 10, 1973. Total trade in 2023 between the two nations amounted to $1.4 million.

Nicaragua ranked as the Philippines’ 142nd trading partner, 133rd import supplier and 129th export market.

The Dominican Republic and the Philippines “have very much shared history and experiences of the past few centuries,” Marcos said.

“I think that gives us a very good foundation to build on,” he added.

The two countries established bilateral relations on Nov. 2, 1952. Their total trade in 2023 amounted to $27.3 million.

Ghana and the Philippines established bilateral relations on March 6, 1957. Ghana ranks as the Philippines’ 108th trading partner.

Akonor’s arrival “will be the beginning of many good things for the benefit of our people,” Marcos said.

Belarus and the Philippines established diplomatic ties on May 22, 1996.

Ramanouski is looking forward to bolstering constructive bilateral collaboration in trade and investment, food security, science and education and visa facilitation, as well as multilateral cooperation in the framework of universal and regional organizations.

Belarus ranked as the Philippines’ 83rd trading partner, with total trade between them amounting to $10.1 million in 2023.