Philippines, Malta to expand bilateral relations
The Philippines and Malta have reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral engagement in the fields of labor and economic cooperation.
During the call of non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Malta John Aquilina on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for policy Enrique Manalo, the two officials highlighted the importance of Philippines-Malta relations.
Manalo also conveyed appreciation for the assistance extended by Malta to the Philippines in the aftermath of Haiyan in 2013 and the evacuation of Filipinos from Libya in 2014.
Aquilina presented his credentials to President Duterte on Jan. 9.
The PhilippinesMalta diplomatic relations were established on June 13, 1949.
In 2019 the two countries will commemorate 70 years of relations.
Meanwhile, nonResident Ambassador Jaak Lensment of the Republic of Estonia paid a courtesy call on Manalo to present an open copy of his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor.
Manalo welcomed Lensment and expressed hope in reinvigorating relations between the Philippines and Estonia.
They discussed the possibility of cooperation in cybersecurity, e-government services, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Manalo also congratulated Estonia for celebrating their 100th year of independence on Feb. 24.
Lensment presented his credentials to Duterte on Jan. 9.
The Philippines-Estonia diplomatic relations were established on Dec. 19, 1991.