President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed four newly designated ambassadors to the Philippines, reaffirming the vibrant and robust bilateral ties with their respective countries.
According to a Malacañang news release, those who presented their credentials to President Marcos in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday were Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown; Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh; and non-resident ambassadors to the Philippines Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed of the Maldives and Netra Prasad Timsina of Nepal.
In welcoming the new Australian envoy, President Marcos said the engagements entered into by Australia and the Philippines play a “very, very important part in maintaining peace in our region.”
“And together with other multilateral relationships… these have strengthened once again the position of peace-loving countries and states,” the President said.
For his part, Innes-Brown said his country is advancing the strategic partnership with the Philippines.
Accepting the credentials of Kursh, President Marcos recognized the very strong ties between the Philippines and Israel over the years.
“I can see a very bright future for that relationship. And we, of course, are here as your partners to find a way to help you and the region find peace,” the President told the Israeli envoy.
Kursh, for her part, said Israel is committed to contributing to the President’s vision for the Philippines.
“We look forward to deepening our partnership in agriculture and peace and security, water solutions, defense, technology and innovation, health, cybersecurity, tourism, disaster management, and the education sector,” Israel’s envoy said.
“During my tenure, I hope we can open new horizons through direct flights… and that the number of OFWs in Israel will continue growing as they are deeply appreciated,” the ambassador added.
The Philippines and Australia established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. In 2024, the Philippines’ total trade with Australia amounted to US$ 3.11 billion, with imports valued at US$ 2.606 billion and exports at US$ 507.21 million.
The Philippine Embassy in Canberra said there are around 408,000 Filipinos and Australians of Filipino descent in Australia.
The Philippines and Israel established diplomatic relations on August 9, 1957, although the Philippines has recognized the State of Israel since August 14, 1948.
In 2024, Israel was the Philippines’ 34th largest trading partner, 30th export destination, and 38th import source.
As of December 2023, there are around 30,000 Filipinos in Israel.
