ENVOYS PRESENT CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENTS OF COMOROS, ERITREA
AMBASSADOR to Kenya and Nonresident Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros Marie Charlotte G. Tang presented her credentials to President Azali Assoumani on June 21 at the Beit-salam, or Office of the President, in the capital city of Moroni.
Tang conveyed the warm wishes of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the government and the people of Comoros. She emphasized that as archipelagic states, both the Philippines and Comoros face similar challenges and share several opportunities for cooperation. She also expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the Philippines and Comoros in the multilateral fora.
Assoumani described the Philippines and Comoros as being “united by the sea,” and added that both countries should invigorate their relations.
The Filipino envoy also met with Foreign Minister Dhoihir Dhoulkamal and other key officials of the Comorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora. In these meetings, both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral engagements.
She also donated books on the Philippines to the National Centre of Documentation and Scientific Research, which houses Comoros’ National Museum, Library, and Archives.
Comoros, a small archipelago in the Indian Ocean between the coast of Mozambique and the island of Madagascar, is known for its pristine beaches and diverse marine life. It is called the “Perfume Isles,” as it is the world’s leading producer of ylang-ylang oil which is used by major international perfume and cosmetic companies.
It is said that in the 19th Century, the French brought the ylang-ylang, which is native to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, to East Africa and cultivated large plantations, including Comoros.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Philippines to Egypt and Nonresident Ambassador to the State of Eritrea Ezzedin H. Tago presented his Letters of Credence to President Isaias Afwerki at the State Palace in Asmara on June 23.
During the meeting, Afwerki conveyed his desire to establish cooperation on human-resources development, particularly in education and health. In response, Tago conveyed the Philippine government’s desire to strengthen bilateral links with Eritrea.
The two countries formally forged ties 25 years ago on February 4, 1997.