MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed two incoming European diplomats during separate credential presentation ceremonies at Malacañang Palace on Thursday, September 24, expressing confidence in the continued growth of the Philippines’ bilateral partnerships with both the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Marcos officially received the credentials of Dutch Ambassador Roderick Wols and Swiss Ambassador Edgard Cristoph Doerig.
In his meeting with Wols, the Chief Executive noted the solid foundation of Philippine-Netherlands relations—built upon a shared maritime background alongside common commitments to human rights, democratic principles, and international law.
Marcos highlighted the potential for expanding existing economic trade and investment, particularly within water management, infrastructure, and transport sectors.
Both leaders praised the robust people-to-people connections between the two nations, highlighting the vital contributions of Filipinos residing in the Netherlands and those serving aboard Dutch-flagged vessels.
Wols—a veteran career diplomat with previous postings in China, Brazil, Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Angola—reaffirmed his country’s commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms, upholding the rule of law, and honoring 75 years of bilateral ties.
Meeting subsequently with Ambassador Doerig, Marcos described the connection between the Philippines and Switzerland as “warm and close”.
“I am sure that the time that you will spend here in the Philippines will bring our countries even closer than we already are, and I look forward to working together,” Marcos said.
Ambassador Doerig emphasized the long-standing economic and political bonds between both states, invoking national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s historical stay in Switzerland.
He noted that Rizal translated Friedrich Schiller’s William Tell into Tagalog during his time there, introducing core ideas of civic duty, liberty, and self-determination to the Filipino people.
Doerig added that the upcoming 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland will serve as an ideal milestone to broaden future bilateral cooperation.