Philippines posts first envoy to Morocco in three decades

By MICHAELA DEL CALLAR After being closed for almost 30 years, the Philippine Embassy in Morocco reopened with a new envoy in a bid to strengthen relations with the North African state. Philippine ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja, the first Philippine envoy to Rabat in three decades, arrived in May 2021 a year after the chancery was opened in 2020. A seasoned career diplomat, Baja presented his credentials to King Mohammed VI together with 38 other ambassadors in January 17, 2022, an embassy statement said Sunday. In a ceremony steeped in tradition, Baja was ushered to the King at the Throne room of the Royal Palace in Rabat. Aside from Morocco, Baja is accredited as non-resident ambassador to Mauritania and is awaiting an opportunity to also present credentials in Guinea, Mali and Senegal. After presenting his letters of credence from President Rodrigo Duterte, Baja extended the President's best wishes and hope for a new era in Philippine-Morocco relations. Also present during the ceremony was Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita who earlier received Baja in June 2021. The Philippines established diplomatic relations with Morocco on April 10, 1975. Baja said the reopening of the Philippine Embassy is considered timely as Manila prepares for the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2025. There are approximately 4,600 Filipinos in Morocco, mostly employed in the domestic, beauty and wellness and skilled sectors. In his first meeting with the Filipino community in June 2021, Baja paid tribute to the good image of Filipinos in Morocco, describing them as the "better ambassadors of the Philippines in Morocco." He said a number of agreements are awaiting signature between the two countries in the areas of air services, cooperation between news agencies and diplomatic academies and political consultations. At least two ministerial visits are also being planned which would convene the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. Despite the pandemic, trade between the two countries increased in 2020 totaling close to $23 million, with the balance in favor of the Philippines. —KG, GMA News

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