Aussie, Chinese envoys present credentials

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino received yesterday the credentials of the new ambassadors of Australia and China.

The new Australian ambassador is William Tweddel while the Chinese ambassador is Ma Keqing. 

Before his assignment in Manila, Twedell, a former ambassador to Hanoi, served as first assistant secretary for the Americas and Africa division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Before that, he was senior career officer for foreign affairs and trade.

Meeting the press at his official residence the other day, Twedell vowed to further strengthen his country’s ties with the Philippines.

Australia is one of the largest sources of official development assistance for the Philippines and has strong defense and law enforcement cooperation programs with the country.

Ma was formerly assigned to Finland and speaks English and Finnish fluently. According to Ma, her priorities will be to promote mutual understanding and trust between the two governments, further cement existing friendship, and enhance mutual and beneficial cooperation.

Ma also said she would support the Chinese community in their endeavors as they engage with Philippine society,

and will protect their lawful interests and businesses. 

The Chinese diplomat also said she would continue her predecessor Liu Jianchao’s practice of engaging with Philippine media and various sectors of society like the academe, non-government organizations and vowed to keep communication lines open.