President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. formally welcomed three newly appointed ambassadors to the Philippines, expressing optimism for expanded cooperation with their countries.
At a Malacañang ceremony, Marcos received credentials from Stephen Pokanis of Papua New Guinea, Miloš Koterec of the Slovak Republic, and Thiphasone Sengsourinha of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Marcos hailed Koterec’s appointment as Slovakia’s first resident ambassador to the Philippines, noting opportunities for trade, investments, and people-to-people exchanges, and welcomed Slovakia’s intent to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
On Papua New Guinea, Marcos highlighted 50 years of strong bilateral ties in food investments, education, and health services. Pokanis reaffirmed ongoing collaboration in trade and mobility.
Marcos also praised relations with Lao PDR, citing bilateral and ASEAN partnerships. Sengsourinha pledged full commitment to advancing ties in the coming years.
Koterec noted potential cooperation in nuclear technology, education, and academic partnerships, while Marcos acknowledged the contributions of 1,500 Filipinos working in Slovakia.
The ceremony emphasized the administration’s focus on strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding partnerships across Europe, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia.