President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of State of Israel Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Ephraim Ben Matityau during the Presentation of Credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (October 07, 2014). (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed three new ambassadors to the Philippines in a simple ceremony at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.
President Aquino first received the credentials of Luis Lillo as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile. Lillo was accompanied by his wife Toni Patchett, daughter Maria Jesus Lillo, Second Secretary and Consul Fernanda Villa, and Honorary Consul Juan Rocha.
Next to present his credentials was Ephraim Ben Matiyau as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel. He was joined by his wife Lizia Zenaida Lu, Deputy Chief of Mission Adam Michael Levene, Consul Menashe Doron Abudi, and Chief of Security Roy Artzi.
The last ambassador to submit his letter of credentials was Jan Top Kristensen as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark. Kristensen was accompanied by his wife Thien Kieu Thi Phung, and Attaché Pia Heide Salman.
Joining the President in welcoming the new ambassadors was Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.
President Aquino welcomed the three envoys to the country. In return, the three ambassadors assured the President of their respective countries’ commitment to further enhance bilateral relations with the Philippines.
The President had a brief closed-door meeting with all three envoys. (MNS)