H.E. Belen F. Anota, Philippine Ambassador to Australia and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Nauru officially visited Nauru on 25 – 28 May 2014 to present her credentials to H.E. Baron Waqa, President of the Republic of Nauru.

During her call on President Waqa, Ambassador Anota reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthen its long-standing ties with Nauru. Discussions with the President covered a wide range of topics focusing mainly on the Philippines’ offer of technical assistance in areas such as training in food processing, aquaculture, and diplomacy, on developments in the Philippines and Nauru and the region, strengthening people-to-people links, and cooperation in regional and international bodies on issues of mutual concern.

Aside from her presentation of credentials and call on the President, Ambassador Anota also met with other Nauru government officials including Hon. Charmaine Scotty, Minister for Home Affairs, Education and Youth and Land Management; Mr. Peter Jacob, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Special Adviser to the President; Mr. Bernard Grundler, Chief Secretary; Hon. Arron Cook MP, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade; Hon. Valdon Dowiyogo MP, Minister for Health; and Hon. Ludwig Scotty MP, Speaker of Parliament

While in Nauru, Ambassador Anota also met with the 50-strong Filipino community to whom she expressed her appreciation for their contributions to Nauru’s economy and their role in deepening the friendship between the Philippines and Nauru. She encouraged them to continue their good work of being ambassadors for the Philippines and to participate in nation building by registering as overseas voters in the 2016 national elections. The Ambassador also congratulated them on the Philippines’ upcoming Independence Day and informed them that the Philippines is celebrating this year the 150th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Consul Grace Anne Bulos, who accompanied Ambassador Anota during the visit, conducted a mobile consular mission on 26 May to service Filipinos whose passports needed to be renewed.