MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received the credentials Wednesday of four newly designated ambassadors, hoping to forge stronger relations with the countries they represent particularly as the world gears toward post-pandemic recovery.

Among those who presented their credentials to President Duterte were the ambassadors-designate to the Philippines of Nigeria, Bangladesh, Ireland and Romania.

In welcoming Irish Ambassador William John Carlos, President Duterte said he looks forward to revitalizing the country’s ties with Ireland, particularly in the economic sphere.

“We count on Ireland’s support for the resumption of the negotiation on the Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement,” he said, adding robust trade and investment relations within the Philippines and Ireland and the larger European community will contribute to faster and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President expressed his gratitude to the Irish government for the hospitality it extended to Filipinos living and working in Ireland.

Also presenting her credentials to the Philippine president was Ambassador Rāduta Dana Matache of Romania, who said she would help renew, restore, reinvigorate the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Romania.

The two countries, the Romanian envoy said, could collaborate on several domains such international maritime issues, cybersecurity, disaster management, economy, as well as tourism and trade.

Responding to the Romanian ambassador, the President said: “As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations next year, let us deepen bilateral engagement for the benefit of our peoples”.

“This is an important milestone that merits celebration. I hope that you will take this opportunity to organize worthwhile activities that would contribute to our mutual goals. We stand ready to work with you in this regard.”

In welcoming Nigerian Ambassador Folakemi Ibidunni Akinleye, President Duterte said he hopes Nigeria and the Philippines could enhance their bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“We look forward to deeper engagement bilaterally and in various multilateral fora to advance our shared aspiration for peace and prosperity for our peoples,” he said.

The Nigerian ambassador vowed to work tirelessly to improve her country’s friendship with the Philippines while they are engage in mutual beneficial cooperation in areas of trade, medical exchange program, information technology, maritime security, education and tourism.

She assured the President that Nigeria, being the number one oil and gas producer in Africa, will remain the Philippines’ dependable partner in energy security.

The Philippines and Nigeria will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations next year.

Bangladesh Ambassador F.M. Borhan Uddin also presented his credentials to the President on Wednesday, promising to do his best to further deepen Philippines-Bangladesh ties and strengthen bilateral cooperation to harness optimum level of mutual benefits.

In receiving the new Bangladeshi ambassador, President Duterte said the Philippines values its long-standing friendship with the South Asian country.

Ambassador Uddin’s arrival in the Philippines comes at a very auspicious time, as the two countries will celebrate next year the golden anniversary of diplomatic relations, the President told the Bangladeshi envoy.

“I hope to see more bilateral exchanges especially as we work towards the full post-pandemic recovery and sustainable growth,” he said. (PND)