Philippines, Montenegro to boost tourism ties

The Philippines and Montenegro agreed to strengthen relations when it comes to the tourism industry.

This as Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic of Montenegro paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

During their meeting, Marcos emphasized the importance of tourism to the Philippines, noting the possibility of adopting Montenegro's successful strategies when it comes to the industry.

"Tourism has become also very important for the Philippines and we see it as an important part of the transformation of the economy because during the pandemic, it was zero. So, now we have to build back," Marcos said.

For his part, Abazovi commended Marcos for his effort to attract more tourists and investors to the Philippines.

"So, I want to congratulate you and I am more than sure that you will play the very, very important role in the context of traveling and inviting people to visit you," he said.

The Prime Minister is in the Philippines to support the Montenegro Men’s National Basketball Team, which is currently competing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Those present during the meeting were Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Chief of Presidential Protocol (COPP) Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz, Honorary Consul of Montenegro in the Philippines Maria Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma and other officials from the DFA Office of European Affairs.

The diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Montenegro was established on September 26, 2009.

The Honorary Consulate of Montenegro in Manila was officially opened on December 12, 2018. —VAL, GMA Integrated News