27 May 2004 – Philippine Ambassador to Beijing, China Willy C. Gaa presented his Letters of Credence to Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi on 10 May 2004, accrediting him as non-resident Philippine Ambassador to Mongolia.

During Ambassador Gaa’s talks with the Mongolian President, the latter said that he was happy to see bilateral relations developing between the Philippines and Mongolia. He said he cherished fond memories of his visit to the Philippines in 2000, during which five agreements were signed. He noted the potential for the exchange of cultural delegations, citing the large number of excellent Filipino musicians. He added that Mongolians are increasingly becoming interested to work overseas as contract workers, noting that the Philippines has accumulated much experience in the legal protection of its citizens abroad.

President Bagabandi also noted that Mongolia and the Philippines support each other in the United Nations and other international fora. He was grateful that the Philippines sent a high-level delegation to the 5th International Conference of the New or Restored Democracies (ICNRD) which Mongolia hosted in 2003.

Ambassador Gaa noted that Filipinos are not only recognized as singers, but also as engineers, accountants, doctors, nurses, sailors, and IT specialists overseas.  The Philippines concluded agreements with a number of countries on the protection of Filipinos overseas. He also noted the international agreement on migrant workers.

Ambassador Gaa also said that the Philippines was happy to take part in the successful holding of the ICNRD. He expressed the Philippines’ continues support for Mongolia as a Friend of the Chair, adding that the Philippines can further enhance cooperation with Mongolia through the ICNRD.

Ambassador Gaa also informed President Bagabandi that the Philippines is now a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and will assume the Presidency of the UNSC in June 2004. He quoted Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert who said that the Presidency of the Philippines in the UNSC will be marked by dialogue and consultations. He said that the Philippines can enhance cooperation with Mongolia in the UNSC.

The Philippines and Mongolia support each other in regional and international organizations. The Philippines shepherded Mongolia’s admission to into the ASEAN Regional Forum in 1999. Mongolia joined the 52-member Asian group in 2002. The Philippines actively participated in the 5th International Conference of New or Restored Democracies and the Parliamentarians Forum which Ulaan Baatar hosted in 2003, and is supporting Mongolia’s bid to become a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue. - END