Proudly Filipino 
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte accepted credentials of new ambassadors to the Philippines in a ceremony held at the Reception Hall in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, January 10.
Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mohammed Rida El Fassi of Morocco, Venetia Sebudandi of Rwanda, Shiferaw Jarso Tedecha of Ethiopia, and Anne Namakau Mutelo of Namibia were present during the ceremony.
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Estonian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaak Lensment was not able to arrive due to bad weather.
Prior to the ceremony, the ambassadors were given arrival honors at the Kalayaan grounds.
The presentation of credentials to the president of host country is a diplomatic requirement for newly-appointed ambassadors before they begin their tour of duty.
President Duterte had a brief meeting with each ambassador right after the credential submission.
After welcoming the new foreign ambassadors, President Duterte met with outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Duong in a farewell call.
The President conferred the Order of Sikatuna award, with the rank of Grand Cross Gold Distinction or “Datu Katangiang Ginto”, to Ambassador Duong in a ceremony held in the Palace’s Music Room.
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President Duterte commended Ambassador Duong for his exemplary performance and meritorious service in fostering and strengthening diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.
In the citation, Ambassador Duong was recognized for showing his “demonstrated concern for the Filipinos” during national calamities, particularly in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, and for his “laudable representation of his government”, which gained the momentum of vibrant relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Also present in the occasion were Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. and Vietnamese Embassy Political Officer Le Thi Thu Thuy who witnessed the awarding ceremony.
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