New PH Ambassador to Indonesia Holds Diplomatic Welcome Reception
Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee (right) and Madame Rosalind Wee (left). (Jakarta PE photo)
JAKARTA 12 September 2018 – Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee held a diplomatic welcome reception at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 06 September 2018, following his official presentation of credentials to Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace on 13 August 2018.
The diplomatic welcome reception was attended by some 300 guests from the diplomatic corps, the Indonesian Government, and the Filipino Community in Indonesia.
In his welcome speech, Ambassador Wee mentioned his humble beginnings as young boy in Zamboanga who struggled to help support his family, his stint as a teacher, his career as a successful businessman in establishing the W Group of Companies, and now his new role as the country’s top envoy to Indonesia.
Ambassador Wee emphasized the marching orders from President Rodrigo Duterte to prioritize southern Philippines and eastern Indonesia while enhancing overall bilateral relations. In particular, he highlighted the need to revive direct air links between Davao and Manado in Indonesia, and the roll-on roll-off (RORO) maritime sea route between Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Ambassador expressed great optimism in the “immense possibilities” in furthering trade and bilateral relations especially for southern Philippines and eastern Indonesia, given their resources and close geographical proximity to each other.
The Philippines and Indonesia established diplomatic ties in November 1949. In 2019, both countries will mark the 70th anniversary of their bilateral relations. Ambassador Wee is the 14th Philippine envoy to Indonesia. END
Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee (center, second row) with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta at the reception. (Jakarta PE photo)
Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee (left) delivers his speech at the reception. (Jakarta PE photo)
Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee and Madame Rosalind Wee mingles with guests at the reception. (Jakarta PE photo)
For more information, visit www.jakartape.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembjkt.com or https://facebook.com/PHLinIndonesia/.