Noy seeks international unity vs global threats

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino renewed his call on the international community to unite against global threats.

“More and more of the issues we face do not recognize any national border,” the President said during his message at the presentation of credentials of nine new ambassadors in Malacañang yesterday.  

“The front pages of our newspapers attest to this: in the past few years, we have read about pandemics, terrorism, global economic instability and the increasing risk presented by climate change, among many other issues,” he said.

The President said he remains confident that while challenges are “formidable,” they could still be resolved with purposeful and united world action.

“If we can complement each other’s strengths, we can overcome these difficulties and ultimately bring about a world that is truly peaceful, prosperous and progressive, where no nation – and no individual – is left behind,” Aquino said.

He also expressed hope that the ambassadors’ stay in the country during the remaining months of his presidency would be productive. 

“Apart from the responsibilities entrusted to you, it is also my hope that you will have enough leisure time to visit the many beautiful places in our country, experience the warmth of our countrymen, and realize why so many say that ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’,”  he said. 

The President was assisted by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario and outgoing presidential protocol chief Celia Anna Feria in receiving the credentials of two resident ambassadors and seven non-resident ambassadors at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

Aquino received the credentials of Ambassadors Mohammad Tanhaei of Iran and Amanda Louise Gorely of Australia, who were also given arrival honors at the Palace grounds.

He also received the credentials of non-resident ambassadors Marcin Kubiak of Poland, Drazen Margeta of Croatia, Askhat Orazbay of Kazakhstan, Yahya Ngam of Mauritania, Nasreddine Rimouche of Algeria, Tumor Lkhagvadorj of Mongolia and Abubacarr Jah of Gambia. The ambassadors received foyer honors.