President Marcos eyes deeper PH ties with Switzerland, Netherlands

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed optimism that the Philippines’ relations with Switzerland and the Netherlands would further deepen under the watch of their newly designated ambassadors.

Marcos received the credentials of Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Edgard Cristoph Doerig and Dutch Ambassador Roderick Wols in separate ceremonies at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

During the presentation of credentials, Marcos described Philippine-Switzerland relations as “warm and close,” anchored on shared values.

Marcos expressed confidence that the two nations would further strengthen their ties during Doerig’s tenure.

“I am sure that the time that you will spend here in the Philippines will bring our countries even closer than we already are, and I look forward to working together,” he told the new Swiss ambassador.

Doerig acknowledged the long-standing political and economic ties between the Philippines and Switzerland, as well as the historical links between the two countries.

He cited national hero Jose Rizal’s stay in Switzerland, where Rizal translated Friedrich Schiller’s “William Tell” into Tagalog, helping introduce concepts of freedom, civic responsibility, and self-determination to Filipinos.

He said the Philippines and Switzerland’s celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 would provide an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Marcos and Wols both expressed confidence in the strength of Philippine-Netherlands bilateral relations, anchored on a common maritime heritage and the shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Marcos highlighted the strong economic partnership of both countries and the potential to expand cooperation in trade and investment, water management, transportation and infrastructure.

Wols highlighted the strong foundation of the 75 years of Philippine-Netherlands relations and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to the international legal order, peaceful settlement of disputes, the rule of law and the protection of human rights and freedoms.

Marcos and Wols also acknowledged the strong people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands, particularly the societal and economic impact of Filipinos in the Netherlands, including those working aboard Dutch-flagged vessels.

Wols is a career diplomat who previously served in China, Brazil, Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Angola.