MALAWI VISIT. President Rodrigo R. Duterte receives the credentials of Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi to the Philippines Grenenger Banda during a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 20, 2019). The ambassador invited Duterte to visit Malawi. (Presidential photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte was invited by Grenenger Kidney Msulira Banda, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi to the Philippines, to visit the African country.
The envoy from Africa made this invitation when Duterte welcomed new ambassadors from Switzerland, Germany, Malaysia, Georgia, Estonia, and Malawi in a ceremony in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday afternoon.
During the ambassadors’ presentation of credentials, Duterte expressed hope that the Philippines would forge stronger bilateral relations with those countries, a statement from Malacañang said.
In his remark, the African envoy said, “I would like to also bring the message from my Head of State that is personally inviting you to Malawi should you have any opportunities. Either you go to Malawi or he comes to the Philippines.”
Malawi’s current head of state is Peter Mutharika.
Aside from Banda, two non-resident ambassadors also had an audience with the President and presented their diplomatic credentials.
They are non-resident Ambassador-Designate of the Republic Georgia to the Philippines Irakli Asashvili, and Estonia Ambassador to the Philippines Väino Reinart.
Duterte, meanwhile, met the ambassadors of Switzerland, Germany, and Malaysia, who will be based in the Philippines.
Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen, during his presentation of credentials, hailed Duterte for his achievements in the Bangsamoro peace process and reiterated Switzerland’s support for the peace process in Mindanao.
He emphasized how Swiss-Philippine relations are becoming stronger, particularly in the economic field and vowed to work hard to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
Upon presenting her credentials, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel described German-Philippine relations as “rich” since they cover a broad range of issues, including cooperation in environment and climate-related matters, health care, culture and education, bilateral trade, business and economic cooperation.
She also expressed hope that Germany would be able to contribute to the ongoing transition process and stabilization of all of Mindanao.
Malaysian Ambassador Norman Bin Muhamad, in presenting his letter of credence, conveyed the well wishes of His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong, his Queen, and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
The new Malaysian envoy vowed to work with the Duterte government for the development of the two countries.
Aside from meeting the new ambassadors, the Filipino leader also met with Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammad Bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh of Saudi Arabia who arrived in the country for a parliamentary visit.
Mohammad, who is accompanied by the members of his delegation, is the president (Speaker) of the Majlis Al Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (PNA)
