27 February 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V. Lamadrid presented his letters of credence to the President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the Presidential Palace in Malabo on February 19 as non-resident Philippine Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. The Philippine Embassy in Abuja exercises jurisdiction over bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea.
During the cordial meeting after the presentation ceremony, President Mbasogo warmly welcomed Ambassador Lamadrid and congratulated him on his presentation of credentials. Characterizing the relations between the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea as one between fraternal countries, with both having a shared history of colonial rule under Spain, the President expressed optimism that the common heritage that binds the two countries will contribute towards the further expansion of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field. The President expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations, and lauded the Philippines for contributing positively to the economic development of Equatorial Guinea, citing that the Philippines was instrumental in the creation of a world class bank, the Banco Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (BANGE), which was established in partnership with a Philippine bank.
The President likewise recalled his fruitful visit to Manila in 2006, and the return visit to Malabo and Bata, Equatorial Guinea, of President Gloria Arroyo in 2007. The President also extended his best wishes to President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Ambassador Lamadrid expressed sincere appreciation to the President for the opportunity to present his credentials, as well as for the warm hospitality accorded by the government of Equatorial Guinea to the Philippine delegation. The Ambassador conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes of President Aquino to President Mbasogo. The Philippine Ambassador likewise recalled the exchange of high level visits between the presidents of Equatorial Guinea and the Philippines in 2006 and 2007, and expressed hope that the agreements signed during those visits will be actively implemented to serve as the basis for the further strengthening of bilateral relations. The Philippine Ambassador conveyed the Philippine desire to collaborate with Equatorial Guinea in such diverse fields as agriculture, trade and investments, education, culture and sports, among other areas.
The Ambassador informed the President that the Philippines currently hosts many students from Equatorial Guinea, especially those who are undertaking studies in medicine and allied courses in Philippine universities. He also expressed appreciation to the Equatorial Guinea government for its hospitality to several thousand OFWs working in Equatorial Guinea particularly those in sectors such as banking, oil and gas, construction, forestry, and other services. The Ambassador expressed optimism that the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea can significantly increase the level of bilateral trade, investment, and other economic exchanges in the near future.
The presentation of credentials to the President of Equatorial Guinea was preceded by a review of the honor guard at the Presidential Palace grounds, where the Philippine flag was raised. After the presentation of credentials to the President, the Philippine Ambassador was invited to sign the guest book of the Presidential Palace. Departure honors were likewise accorded to the Philippine Ambassador.
Ambassador Lamadrid was accompanied by Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Raymund Ondiano.
Ambassador Lamadrid presented his credentials to the President of Equatorial Guinea, along with nine other resident and non-resident Ambassadors of Ghana, Germany, Mali, Angola, Swaziland, the Comorros, Belgium, Senegal and Guatemala.
The presentation of credentials ceremony was covered widely by the media, with news of the ceremony carried by Equatorial Guinean television in the evening of the same day. The official website of the Equatorial Guinea government also reported on the presentation ceremony. END