Diplomats pay courtesy call on Bongbong Marcos

Four diplomats from four important trade partner-nations of the Philippines on Monday paid courtesy call on presumptive president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

The four diplomats were Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul, India Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran, and US Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava.

Offered my congratulations to President-elect @bongbongmarcos and emphasized our intent to expand U.S.-Philippine cooperation on our countries' shared interests, including the fight against COVID-19, promoting inclusive economic growth, and shared democratic values. pic.twitter.com/i2OpHlC7WU

— Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Heather Variava (@USAmbPH) May 23, 2022

The courtesy call was held at the BBM Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

Kumaran was the only diplomat who faced the media and entertained some questions. The Marcos camp said the other ambassadors had to leave soon due to prior engagements.

During Kazuhiko's meeting with Marcos, the latter told him that he intends to strengthen relations and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Kumaran said India continues to push for excellent bilateral relations with the Philippines, adding that India would like to work with the Philippines on capacity-building and capability development of the Philippine military.  —KBK/KG, GMA News