President Ferdinand Marcos of Philippines on Friday swore in career diplomat Luis Manalo as the country’s new foreign secretary on Friday.
Before his appointment, Manalo, 69, was the permanent Philippines representative to the United Nations.
He previously served as undersecretary for policy at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and also acted as acting foreign secretary during the Duterte administration.
Having been working with the DFA since 1979, Manalo has a seasoned career, serving as ambassador in various countries and international organisations, including Britain and the European Union.
In a speech in June, Marcos vowed to foster “stronger and deeper” Philippines-China relations.
He said the relations with China are “very important” and “advantageous to both countries,” considering China as his country’s “strongest partner” in pandemic recovery.
“We look forward to continuing fostering this relationship, making it stronger and deeper to the advantage of our two great countries,” Marcos said.
He added that he sees the future of Philippines-China relations “developing in many ways.
Marcos was sworn in as the Philippines president in a ceremony in Manila on Wednesday, succeeding the outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte.
His inauguration marks a stunning comeback for the Marcos political dynasty, which was ousted after a popular revolt in 1986.
Marcos won in an election landslide in May.
In a related development, the Czech Republic is taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, the second time it has done so since the country joined the EU in 2004.
To mark the occasion, European Commission President, President Ursula von der Leyen and Czech Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, will meet at Litomysl Castle on Friday.
During its six-month chairmanship, the Czech Republic plans to focus on the war in Ukraine and its consequences.
This includes coping with the influx of refugees and improving energy security.
The Czech Republic takes over the presidency from France on Friday and will be responsible until the end of the year for, among other things, mediating compromises on controversial EU projects.
Numerous ministerial meetings and at least one summit of the 27 heads of state and government are planned in the Czech Republic.
