Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
July 10, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed His Excellency Daniel Hernández Joseph, Ambassador-Designate of Mexico to the Philippines, as the latter presented his letter of credence in a ceremony at the Reception Hall in Malacañan Palace.

In his message, the Ambassador-Designate highlighted the special bond between Mexico and the Philippines as both countries celebrate this year the 450th anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.

“The 250 years of the galleon trade converted our two countries into a hinge that articulates two regions of the world. It established us as a vein that links Asia and the Americas. In doing so, it forged unbreakable bonds between our two nations by learning from each other and growing to share many cultural values and world views,” the Mexican envoy said.

He likewise mentioned Mexico’s unwavering commitment to a rules-based world order, citing a historical record back in 1945 when the 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron helped in the liberation of Manila.

“Our resolve to stand by the Philippines remains equally strong today. In an era of economic globalization and strengthened regionalization, these bonds ratify us today just as in our historical past as gateways to connect two regions of the world not only in trade but also in the participation chains of supply, distribution and production for the benefit of the peoples of both our nations,” the Ambassador-Designate said.

In his brief remarks, President Marcos Jr. recognized the deep-seated ties between Mexico and the Philippines, and looks forward to forging bilateral ties in other areas of cooperation.

“We hope to continue that relationship not only at the people-to-people level and those areas that you have mentioned in terms of intellectual exchanges and educational exchanges, but I think, once again the foundation of all that would be the very long and strong and much appreciated 450 years of relationship between our two countries. Our cultures are now interwoven with one another and we cannot separate that anymore and for that we are grateful,” the President said.

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