(Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, October 19, welcomed the newly appointed ambassadors of Türkiye and Egypt at Malacañang, expressing his commitment to expanding diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation with both countries.
During the presentation of credentials by Turkish Ambassador-designate Kaan Esener, Marcos acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Manila and Ankara and emphasized opportunities to deepen bilateral engagement.
The President expressed optimism about developing new initiatives that would further strengthen relations between the two nations.
Esener, meanwhile, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. He also pledged to work closely with the Philippine government to advance bilateral cooperation.
Marcos likewise received Egyptian Ambassador-designate Ihab Ahmed Aboserie Ahmed, highlighting eight decades of friendship between the Philippines and Egypt.
The President expressed hope that both countries would identify additional opportunities to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and people-to-people relations.
The Philippines and Türkiye established diplomatic relations on June 13, 1949. In 2025, Türkiye ranked as the Philippines’ 36th-largest trading partner, 28th export market, and 40th import supplier.
Major Philippine exports to Türkiye include coconut oil, hearing aids, petroleum products, desiccated coconut, and aircraft components.
As of June 2026, approximately 8,994 Filipinos were residing in Türkiye, contributing to various industries, particularly childcare and services.
Meanwhile, the Philippines and Egypt marked 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, having established formal ties on March 3, 1946.
In 2025, Egypt ranked as the Philippines’ 71st trading partner, 72nd export destination, and 70th import source.
Philippine exports to Egypt include agricultural products, electrical equipment, aircraft components, and machinery.
Egypt also hosts approximately 2,371 Filipinos, many of whom work in household services, healthcare, and other service-related industries.
The diplomatic engagements underscored the Marcos administration’s efforts to maintain longstanding international partnerships while expanding opportunities for trade, investment, and cooperation.
