PH set to open new embassies in Astana, Kazakhstan, Accra—Marcos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Friday the opening of new embassies in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Accra as part of the administration’s initiative to “widen diplomatic footprint.”

“As an integral part of widening our diplomatic footprint, I am very pleased to announce that this year we will open our new embassies in Astana, Kazakhstan, and Accra,” Marcos said in his speech during the traditional Vin d’Honneur in the Malacañan Palace.

“We are also working on establishing our new consulate general in Miami, Florida to serve Filipinos in the U.S., Southeast, and in the Caribbean,” he added.

Based on the 2024 survey of Overseas Filipino Workers, the number of OFWs grew wherein Asia remained the primary destination for OFWs with 74.5 percent of the total OFWs. This was followed by Europe (10.6%), North and South America (9.2%), Australia (4.4%), and Africa (1.3%), which completed the five global regions where OFWs were located.

These new missions are seen to provide vital and accessible consular services for Filipino overseas.

The installation of new embassies is also projected to unlock “fresh economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and stronger political relations” with the host countries, according to Marcos.

The Vin d'Honneur, French for ‘wine of honor,’ is observed biannually in the Philippines. The first takes place in January to commemorate the New Year, followed by a second in June to mark the anniversary of Philippine independence. — BAP, GMA News