President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the five newly designated non-resident ambassadors from Tunisia, Paraguay, Burkina Faso, the Marshall Islands, and Serbia, affirming the Philippines’ commitment to deepening bilateral relations and international cooperation.

Marcos received the credentials of Ambassadors Mohamed Trabelsi (Tunisia), Miguel Angel Ubaldino Romero Alvarez (Paraguay), Bibata Nebie/Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Anjanette Kattil (the Marshall Islands), and Ivana Golubović-Duboka (Serbia) in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the presentation of credentials marks the official start of the ambassadors’ diplomatic tenure.

The PCO expressed optimism that the accreditation of the new ambassadors to the Philippines opens fresh opportunities for collaboration across political, economic, and cultural fronts.

“The presentation of credentials marks the official start of the ambassadors’ diplomatic tenure as representatives of their respective governments to the Republic of the Philippines, underscoring the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering international cooperation,” it said.

The Philippines has maintained diplomatic relations with Tunisia since 1975; Paraguay, 1962; Burkina Faso, 2002; the Marshall Islands, 1988; and Serbia, 1972.

Over the years, the partnerships have fostered trade, educational exchanges, and cultural understanding. (PNA)