Marcos hopes for stronger ties with Belgium, United Kingdom

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has welcomed the new ambassadors of Belgium and the United Kingdom as he expressed hope that the Philippines would gain stronger relations with the two countries.

Marcos received Resident Ambassador of Belgium Vladislava Iordanova and Resident Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sarah Hulton in separate formal ceremonies held at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.

The Chief Executive expressed confidence that the Philippines and Belgium would continue to strengthen bilateral ties. 

"Our two countries have enjoyed a long time of warm and cordial relations which I hope will continue and strengthen at every level, people-to-people level all the way to government-to-government level. I look forward to the work we will do to bring our countries closer together," Marcos said. 

Ambassador Iordanova, meanwhile, conveyed her respect and enthusiasm in assuming her post as she affirmed her commitment to deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium were established on July 4, 1946, according to the Presidential Communications Office. 

In receiving the credentials of the United Kingdom's new ambassador to the Philippines, Marcos described the UK as a steadfast partner of the Philippines.

"The relations between the UK and the Philippines have certainly stood the test of time and have just grown stronger and deeper as the years go on," Marcos said. 

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hulton expressed readiness to work with the Philippines on security and other key areas, while also sympathies for the victims of recent natural disasters in the country.

"It is a great honor that I return to the Philippines after nearly 20 years, with a deep appreciation for our enduring friendship between our countries. We are proud to work alongside your government in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities," Hulton said.

The PCO said that the Philippines and the UK had established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. — VDV, GMA Integrated News