Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega and H.E. Tallis Obed Moses, President of the Republic of Vanuatu, share a toast to opening a new chapter of Philippines-Vanuatu relations during the presentation of credentials ceremony at State Nakamal in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 07 May 2019.

PORT VILA, Vanuatu – H.E Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Philippine Non-Resident Ambassador to Vanuatu presented her credentials to H.E. Tallis Obed Moses, President of the Republic of Vanuatu on 07 May 2019 at the State Nakamal in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

In her statement during the presentation of credentials, Ambassador De La Vega extended the warm greetings of Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the Filipino people. She said, “As maritime nations, archipelagos, and disaster-vulnerable countries, the Philippines and Vanuatu share many regional challenges, particularly the impact of climate change. Our two countries are leading voices in the international community calling for global action on addressing climate change. Our people depend on our oceans for livelihood and the protection and sustainable use of our marine resources will remain a key priority in our engagement with the region.”

President Tallis Obed Moses said that the Philippines and Vanuatu have long enjoyed warm and friendly relations. He welcomed the opportunities to further strengthen the bilateral relationship particularly in education and technical cooperation. He said, “Vanuatu has a lot to learn from the Philippines, we are pleased to note ongoing cooperation in human resource and capacity-building programs in agriculture-science, climate change, and disaster resilience.”

He also expressed appreciation for the contributions of more than 184 Filipinos in Vanuatu to the country’s socio-economic development.

Ambassador De La Vega said she looked forward to opening a new chapter in Philippine-Vanuatu relations as the two countries prepare for the 35th Anniversary of Philippines-Vanuatu relations in 2021. END

Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega and H.E. Tallis Obed Moses, President of the Republic of Vanuatu, discuss opportunities for cooperation during the presentation of credentials ceremony at State Nakamal in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 07 May 2019.

Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega inspects the Vanuatu Guard of Honour during the presentation of credentials ceremony at State Nakamal in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 07 May 2019.

Philippine Ambassador Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega was accompanied by Philippine Honorary Consul to Vanuatu Florentino Serrano and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Nicole Therese A. de Castro during her presentation of credentials as Philippine Ambassador to Vanuatu on 07 May 2019 in Port Vila, Vanuatu.