Marcos aim for stronger ties with Colombia, Cambodia, Ukraine

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is optimistic on achieving stronger diplomatic relations with Colombia, Cambodia, and Ukraine as he welcomed their new resident ambassadors to the Philippines.

In separate ceremonies in Malacañang Tuesday, Marcos received the credentials of Ambassadors Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito of Colombia, Sin Saream of Cambodia, and Yuliia Oleksandrivna Fediv of Ukraine.

"I believe there's more that we can do, that we can explore many other sectors, and strengthen and deepen the relations between our two countries," Marcos told the Colombian Ambassador.

Garavito, for his part, highlighted his country's shared aspirations with the Philippines for "lasting peace and development."

The formal diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Colombia were established on July 5, 1946, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

Colombia is home to approximately 100 Filipinos, the PCO added.

Meanwhile, Saream vowed to further develop cooperation between Manila and Phnom Penh "for the mutual benefit and prosperity" of Filipinos and Cambodians.

Marcos emphasized that the relationship between the Philippines and Cambodia have a strong foundation as he shared with the ambassador his hope for even stronger ties.

"I welcome you to the Philippines and I look forward to even stronger relationships between our two countries, to strengthen what is already a very strong union between our two countries," Marcos told Saream.

The Philippines and Cambodia have maintained diplomatic relations since August 20, 1957, the PCO said, noting that there are approximately 7,500 Filipinos in Cambodia.

For his part, Fediv expressed her readiness to contribute to developing bilateral relations, particularly on "collective efforts that promote peace, prosperity, and mutual respect across borders."

Marcos responded by reiterating the Philippines' unwavering support for all efforts to find just and lasting peace in the Ukraine.

"We hope to continue – we will always support you in your efforts for peace. And we are very happy to welcome you here and to be able to have conversations with you as to what else we in the Philippines, though far away, might be able to do to help our quest for peace," the President said.

The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Ukraine was established on April 7, 1992.

Around 24 Filipinos currently reside in Ukraine, the PCO said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News