President’s Hall Sala, Malacañan Palace
30 June 2016

After his oath-taking ceremony, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hosted a reception for the diplomatic community in the Philippines.

The President, together with newly appointed Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay, welcomed the foreign dignitaries who extended their heartfelt felicitations to the country’s 16th Chief Executive.

In brief remarks, President Duterte expressed his appreciation to the envoys and stressed that they are friends and partners in the region and the world over. As the country’s new leader, he said that “we seek a nation living in peace and order.” He offered a toast for the Philippines and the community of nations to work together for peace, security and progress.

In return, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, the Papal Nuncio to the country and Dean of the diplomatic corps, encouraged every Filipino to contribute to the blank page of President Duterte’s book for the country by writing their aspirations, dreams, hopes and contributions for the coming six years.

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