The Philippines has been praised for its “excellent work” in advancing its relationship with the European Union (EU), one of the country’s top development partners.

In a meeting in Malacañang Wednesday, EU Ambassador-designate Mariomassimo Santoro told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the Philippines has been doing well in coordinating with the EU to further strengthen cooperation.

“I am a concrete witness of the excellent work that the Philippines has done in their capacity (as) coordinator in the relationship with Europe,” Santoro told Marcos, as quoted in a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) news release.

Marcos welcomed the new EU envoy to the Philippines, saying he looks forward to “doing much more” with the supranational political and economic union in the future.

“We have already achieved a great deal between the EU and the Philippines and I look forward to doing much more in the time that you are here with us,” the President said.

According to the PCO, the EU ranks fourth among the Philippines’ development partners for Official Development Assistance grants with eight ongoing grants valued at USD221 million.

Other envoys

Also on Wednesday, Marcos met with other newly designated ambassadors from Ireland and Finland in separate ceremonies.

Finland Ambassador Saija Nurminen expressed the interest of the Finnish government in deepening relations with the Philippines on labor mobility, covering both training and education opportunities.

Marcos thanked the Finnish government for welcoming the Filipinos and expanding their opportunities in Finland.

“Your government has always been very welcoming and has always been very sympathetic to our nationals. So, for that we are grateful,” he said.

As of April 2024, about 8,456 Filipinos were residing in Finland.

In another meeting, Marcos welcomed Irish Ambassador-designate Emma Hickey.

“Ireland is literally halfway around the world from the Philippines. And it’s not what you would consider a traditional trading partner with the Philippines,” he said to the diplomat.

“The world has changed to a great deal. Such physical distances seemed to have lost their importance. It’s necessary now to engage every part of the world.”

The Philippines and Ireland celebrated its 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July. (PNA)