Gambia Ambassador Ghanim presents her credentials
MANILA, Philippines — As the Republic of Gambia celebrated Gambia Day in the Philippines last Feb. 18, it is now very clear that the ties forged between the two countries will stand the test of time – beyond administration changes and a changing international landscape. Fresh from the recent presentation of credentials of Gambian Ambassador Ramzia Diab Ghanim to President Rodrigo Duterte last Jan. 21, Gambia has committed to remain a steadfast partner and friend to the Philippines. Consul Ma. Agnes Huibonhoa of Gambia to the Philippines said that this message was conveyed to President Duterte during the ceremonies at Malacanang Palace. For his part, President Duterte instructed to make Philippine presence felt in Africa.
Thailand Embassy charge d’ affaires Urawadee Sriphiromya, Foreign Affairs Sec. Teresa de Vega, Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Gov. Imee Marcos, Mike Toledo, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, Foreign Affairs Usec. Ernesto Abella, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Rep. Arthur Yap, Carmen Pedrosa, Gambia Amb. Ramzia Diab Ghanim and Belarus Consul Annette Ablan.
This augurs well for Gambia as it is gearing to serve as jump-off point of Philippine and ASEAN products to West Africa. Consul Huibonhoa said that she is lining up projects to further strengthen the economic, business, trade and socio-cultural ties between Gambia and the Philippines.
Joe Guingona, Amb. Manuel Manolo Lopez, Consul Harry Liu and Bulgaria Consul Rene Ledesma.
One of these initiatives is to promote and market virgin coconut oil to Gambia and the rest of Africa so that their population can benefit from the therapeutic effect of this versatile, medicinal wonder. In the field of education, Secretary Leonor Briones herself discussed with Ambassador Ghanim possible exchange programs for students of Gambia.
Qatar Amb. Ali Abdullah, Jordan Consul Michael Ang, UAE Amb. Hamad Saeed Al Zaabi, Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Morocco Amb. Rida El Fassi, Syria Consul Issam Eldebs, Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma and South Africa Amb. Martin Slabber.
The well-attended cocktails at the Manila Polo Club hosted by Consul Huibonhoa right after Ambassador Ghanim presented her credentials to President Duterte was testimony of the importance of this small African state in the country’s diplomatic stance.
