MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday welcomed in Malacañang China’s new ambassador to the Philippines along with other envoys from Sri Lanka, Denmark, Myanmar, Greece, and South Africa.

“We are proud that China and the Philippines are two great friends. And I welcome you to your new assignment,” President Duterte said in accepting the letter of credence of China’s Ambassador-Designate to the Philippines Huang Xilian. “May it be productive.”

As a response, Ambassador Huang said it’s a great honor for him to be appointed as ambassador of China to the Philippines vowing to continue cultivating strong ties between the two countries.

“I will do every effort to promote China-Philippine relations which we have –we have enjoyed very long history of friendship. And I wish Philippines enjoy prosperity and its people well-being. I wish your Excellency enjoy every success and good health,” he said.

Ambassador Huang has replaced Zhao Jianhua, who served for five years.

Those who also presented their credentials to the President were Danish Ambassador Grete Sillasen, Sri Lankan Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera, Greek Ambassador Antonis Alexandridis, Myanmar Ambassador U Lwin Oo, and South African Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe.

Prior to welcoming the new ambassadors, President Duterte received Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi in a courtesy call.

The President visited Qatar in April 2017 when he embarked on a three-nation Middle East trip that also brought him to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. (PND/IAMIGO/CNS)