AMBASSADOR ALADIN G. VILLACORTE PRESENTED HIS CREDENTIALS 

AS NEW ENVOY TO THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

26 September 2007—Ambassador Aladin G. Villacorte, former Assistant Secretary of the United Nations and Other International Organizations (UNIO) in the Home Office, presented his Letters of Credence to H.R. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at ceremonies held at the Presidential Palace in Tehran on 10 September 2007.

In a brief formal statement. Ambassador Villacorte expressed his warm felicitations on behalf of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Filiplino people, underscoring the Philippine commitment to "see the full range of our relations to grow and mature", particularly in the fields of trade and investment, tourism and culture.

Ambassador Villacorte also emphasized that both the Philippines and Iran have collaborated on issues of global concern. "Indeed we have made significant contributions to the promotion of better understanding among nations through interfaith dialogue and cooperation." On the sensitive nuclear issue, he echoed the long-standing position of the Non-Aligned Movement that "every nation or state has a legitimate right to benefit from the production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." In conclusion, the Philippine Ambassador hoped to work closely with the Iranians on bilateral, regional and global interests.

In response, President Ahmadinejad stated that the Philippines and Iran have a long tradition of friendly cooperation, and praised the Philippine Government's resolve for continued efforts towards solution to the conflict in Mindanao . Mr. Ahmadinejad expressed the hope that President Arroyo would undertake an official visit to Iran in the near future. He also expressed Iran 's desire to generate more economic cooperative activities within the established bilateral framework.

The Iranian President acknowledged with appreciation the support of the developing nations for the Iranian nuclear program. He stressed that all independent nations should utilize nuclear energy in this age because it is vital for agriculture, industry, power generation and medicine. END.

/esgret

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