I am pleased to accept the Letters of Credence accrediting you as Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

I congratulate you on your appointment and welcome you to Guyana. I ask also that you convey to His Excellency Rodrigo Duterte my best wishes for his personal well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of the Philippines.

Excellency, as you know, Guyana and the Philippines are separated by more than 18,000 km. Diplomatic relations, established in September 2008, however, have brought our countries close together politically. We have enjoyed multilateral collaboration within the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. Our shared concerns about the adverse effects of climate change provide a platform for deepening our multilateral collaboration.

Guyana and the Philippines have founded their relations on the bases of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security.

Our countries share a common interest in the peaceful settlement of disputes and in ensuring respect for settled territorial and maritime boundaries.

Guyana has benefitted from the services of professionals from the Philippines who have come here to work in a wide range of fields including education, forestry and health. We are grateful for the expertise and service of these professionals.

Guyana looks forward to improving cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in the fields of agriculture, commerce, environment, fisheries and marine development.

Guyana is in transition towards becoming a ‘green state’, one which will see more emphasis being placed on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate resilience.

Guyana welcomes the opportunity to develop our bilateral and multilateral relations further, and anticipates the strengthening of our relations during your tenure as non-resident Ambassador.

I assure you of the full support of my government in the discharge of your duties as Ambassador of the Philippines to Guyana.

I welcome you and wish you every success in fulfilling your mandate.

I thank you. Ω

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