PRESS RELEASE

Ambassador Generoso Senga Presents His Credentials

as New Envoy to the Islamic Republic of Iran

Ambassador Generoso S. Senga presented his letter of credence to H.E. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Tehran yesterday, 27 April 2009.

In a brief statement, Ambassador Senga expressed his warm felicitations and high respects on behalf of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Filipino people, underscoring the Philippine commitment to further strengthen the relations between Philippines and Iran.

Ambassador Senga also emphasized that both Philippines and Iran have collaborated in the international arena, particularly on issues such as human rights, drugs and terrorism.

He mentioned that the Philippines acknowledges Iran’s important influence in the Middle East region, as well as in the Islamic world, such as its prominent role in the Organization of Islamic Conference, Iran being a vital link to the region and countries in Central Asia and around the Caspian Sea.

In conclusion the Philippine Ambassador expressed his hope to work closely with the Iranians on bilateral, regional and global interests particularly in undertaking the ground works for facilitating bilateral consultations on political, economic, cultural, technological and educational concerns and implementation of agreements in these fields.

The Iranian President acknowledged with appreciation the interest of the Philippines to expand bilateral relations. He said that Tehran sees no limitation in increasing comprehensive cooperation between Iran and the Philippines. “An expansion of bilateral and regional ties will benefit regional countries and global security” he added.

Significantly, President Ahmadinejad expressed his interest to invite President Arroyo to visit Iran so that the relations between  the  two countries can be strengthened and expanded further. END