The Resident Ambassadors of Latin American Countries Pay a Courtesy Call on President Marcos

The President welcomes to the Palace the Ambassadors of (front to back) Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. (Photo courtesy of RTVM)

MANILA 30 September 2022 — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the Ambassadors of Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina in a courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace on 27 September 2022. Also present during the meeting were Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Zenaida Angping and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

Highlighting the close historical links between the Philippines and the Latin American countries, the President underscored that geographic distance is not an obstacle in forging new relations and partnerships.

The President noted the great potential in enhancing ties with the Latin American countries in various areas such as trade and people-to-people exchanges. He added that the immediate cultural connection serves as a foundation for encouraging stronger partnership and cooperation.

Mexican Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo specified that Mexico and the Philippines share similar challenges such as climate change and the fight against illegal drugs, which are better resolved through international cooperation.

Chile Ambassador Claudio Rojas Rachel noted the expansion of the scope of relations between the Philippines and Chile, citing in particular the growing ASEAN-Chile Development Partnership. He added that Chile is open to sharing its experiences in the agribusiness sector that supports economic and social development.

Brazil Ambassador Antonio José Maria De Souza e Silva recalled the support of the Philippines for Brazil in obtaining its status as a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN. Besides the Brazilian business delegation that visited Manila last week, he shared that more delegations are scheduled in the coming months to enhance further collaboration in trade and defense.

Colombia Ambassador Marcela Ordóñez Fernandez noted that like the Philippines, Colombia is vulnerable to climate change and that bilateral discussions are ongoing on disaster management. She also reiterated Colombia’s willingness to offer technical assistance in the reintegration of former combatants given her country’s long years of experience in the peace process.

Meanwhile, Argentina Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro emphasized the importance of the Philippines to Argentina, recalling that its first Embassy in Southeast Asia was established in Manila. He further added that Argentina is open to sharing best practices on agricultural development and renewable energy.

The President warmly thanked the Ambassadors for the offer of support and assistance in addressing common challenges as well as in identifying possible synergies and areas of further collaboration. He also stressed the significance of people-to-people partnership to further advance relations in various areas of cooperation. He underlined that collaboration should not be limited to a government-level, but could expand across private and public partnerships that would result in greater gains and widen opportunities for more strategic cooperation. END