President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed new diplomatic envoys to Manila on Thursday, signaling intent to expand political, economic, and maritime cooperation with both Switzerland and the Netherlands as bilateral milestones approach.
During separate accreditation ceremonies at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos received the credentials of Swiss Ambassador Edgard Cristoph Doerig and Dutch Ambassador Roderick Wols. The meetings underscored longstanding historical ties and shared democratic principles linking the Philippines to the two European nations.
Strengthening Warm Ties with Switzerland Ahead of 2027
President Marcos described Philippine-Swiss relations as warm and close, telling Ambassador Doerig he is confident ties will deepen during the diplomat’s tenure. Doerig acknowledged the strong political and economic exchanges underpinning the two countries' relationship.
Doerig highlighted deep historical connections during his presentation, noting that Philippine national hero Jose Rizal stayed in Switzerland. During his time there, Rizal translated Friedrich Schiller’s drama William Tell into Tagalog, introducing key concepts of freedom, civic responsibility, and self-determination to Filipinos. Both nations will mark 70 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2027, a milestone Doerig said will provide fresh opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation.
Expanding Maritime and Economic Partnerships with the Netherlands
In his meeting with Ambassador Wols, President Marcos emphasized the strong economic partnership shared by the Philippines and the Netherlands, pointing to potential areas for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, water management, transportation, and infrastructure.
Wols, a career diplomat whose prior postings include China, Brazil, Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Angola, noted that Philippine-Dutch relations rest on a 75-year foundation. He reaffirmed the Netherlands’ dedication to the international legal order, the peaceful settlement of disputes, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
Both officials acknowledged the substantial people-to-people ties connecting the two countries. They highlighted the societal and economic contributions of Filipinos residing in the Netherlands, including those employed aboard Dutch-flagged vessels.
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