Marcos welcomes new European envoys to PH

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday welcomed new European ambassadors in the Philippines as he received their credentials in Malacañang.

Netherlands Ambassador-designate Roderick Wols and Swiss Confederation Ambassador Edgar Doerig met with the Filipino leader in Malacañang in separate meetings.

Marcos underscored the Philippines and Switzerland’s “warm and close” relationship for many years, including Philippine national hero Jose Rizal’s brief stay in the European country.

“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,” the President said.

“The President expressed confidence that Ambassador Doerig’s tenure would further bring the two countries even closer,” Malacañang said in a statement.

“The ambassador noted that the Philippines and Switzerland will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, describing it as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation,” the statement read.