Malacañan Palace
October 3, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the letter of credence from His Excellency Manuel Estuardo Roldán Barillas, Non-Resident Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Guatemala to the Philippines, during the presentation of credentials in Malacañan Palace.

Ambassador-Designate Barillas conveyed to the President that Guatemala and the Philippines share common values and goals in the international sphere. He noted that both countries strive to foster peace and prosperity, uphold the value of democracy, and abide by internationally accepted principles, among others.

He assured the Chief Executive of his best efforts in advancing the bilateral partnership between their two nations.

In response, President Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed the Guatemalan envoy and expressed his hopes for a more energized relationship between the Philippines and Guatemala.

The Philippines and Guatemala established diplomatic relations on June 21, 1972. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), total trade between the two nations amounted to US$ 5,185,328 in 2022. The Philippines’ total exports to Guatemala in the same year were recorded at US$ 2,059,818.

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