PH Ambassador Presents Credentials to Italian President, Thanks Italy for G7 Support for 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea
Philippine Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial hands over his Letter of Credence to Italian President Sergio Mattarella at a ceremony held on 15 June 2023 at the Palazzo del Quirinale in Rome (photo courtesy of the Palazzo del Quirinale).
ROME 19 June 2023 - Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel G. Imperial presented his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor to Italian President Sergio Mattarella on 15 June 2023. Ambassador Imperial was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Nina Cainglet, Minister Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan, and Minister Randy Arquiza.
The ceremony was held at the Palazzo del Quirinale (Quirinale Palace), the official seat of the President of the Republic, which is one of the largest palaces in the world and which has served as home to popes and kings of Italy over the years.
During his conversation with President Mattarella, Ambassador Imperial thanked Italy for its support for the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué. He expressed appreciation for Italy’s recognition in the Communiqué of the significance of the Indo- Pacific and for its explicit support for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea which upholds the rule of law and stability in maritime areas. President Mattarella recognized the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific. He agreed with the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on freedom of navigation and overflight and regional stability.
President Mattarella said that Italy hopes to pursue defense cooperation with the Philippines, particularly on the procurement of defense equipment. The Ambassador responded that the Philippines welcomes Italy’s participation in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the country is diversifying its sources of supply of defense equipment.
Ambassador Imperial also expressed appreciation for Italy’s hospitality to an estimated 165,000 Filipinos who now call Italy their second home. He noted that the second and third generation of Filipinos are well integrated into the fabric of Italian society, conveying that they are the Philippines’ best ambassadors of goodwill. President Mattarella praised the Filipino community in the country and affirmed that they have integrated very well into Italian society.
Both noted the increase in the volume of trade last year, which was the highest level of bilateral trade thus far. Ambassador Imperial conveyed that he hopes to increase two-way trade even further during his term as Philippine Ambassador to Italy.
President Mattarella noted that the Philippines and Italy are celebrating 75 years of bilateral relations until next month. He said that the two countries have had fruitful bilateral ties all these years across all areas. The Ambassador encouraged the convening of bilateral mechanisms, such as political consultations, as soon as possible to give direction and momentum to the growing ties between the two countries. END
Italian President Sergio Mattarella with Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel G. Imperial on the occasion of the latter’s Presentation of Credentials to the
former at the Palazzo del Quirinale on 15 June 2023 (photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
Italian President Sergio Mattarella with Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel G. Imperial on the occasion of the latter’s Presentation of Credentials to the
former at the Palazzo del Quirinale on 15 June 2023 (photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
Italian President Sergio Mattarella with Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel G. Imperial on the occasion of the latter’s Presentation of Credentials to the
former at the Palazzo del Quirinale on 15 June 2023 (photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
Italian President Sergio Mattarella with Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel G. Imperial on the occasion of the latter’s Presentation of Credentials to the
former at the Palazzo del Quirinale on 15 June 2023 (photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
Deputy Chief of Mission Nina Cainglet (left) handshakes with President Mattarella (right) at the Palazzo del Quirinale during the Presentation of Credentials of Ambassador Imperial (middle) (photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
Minister Randy Arquiza (left) handshakes with President Mattarella (right) at the Palazzo del Quirinale during the Presentation of Credentials of Ambassador Imperial (middle) (photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
Minister Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan (left) handshakes with Italian President Mattarella (right) at the Palazzo del Quirinale during the Presentation of Credentials of Ambassador Imperial (middle)
(photo courtesy of Palazzo del Quirinale).
For more information, visit https://www.romepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinItaly/ or https://twitter.com/PHinItaly.