Marcos sees stronger ties with Peru, Malta

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos sees stronger ties with Peru and the Order of Malta as he welcomed their new ambassadors to the country on Wednesday.

Marcos received the credentials of Peru Ambassador Carmen del Rocio Azurin Araujo and Malta Ambassador Maria Lourdes Bernadette Banson during separate ceremonies at the Palace.

Araujo is Peru’s first resident ambassador to the Philippines in more than two decades following the reopening of the Peruvian embassy in Manila in 2025.

In his brief remarks, Marcos said the reopening of Peru’s embassy marks a significant development in the relations between the two nations.

“I am certain that with the reopening of the embassy, we will have many opportunities together to deepen, strengthen, and widen the relationship between Peru and the Philippines,” the President said.

For her part, Araujo conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Peruvian President Jose Maria Balcazar to the Filipino people.

“I am pleased to convey to your excellency the earnest wishes of the President of Peru and my own for peace, good health, and prosperity for all the noble people of the Philippines,” she said.

She echoed Marcos’ statement that Peru’s decision to reopen its resident embassy in Manila marks an important milestone in more than five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The ambassador also vowed to further strengthen engagement and cooperation between Lima and Manila during her tenure.

The Philippines and Peru established formal diplomatic relations on Nov. 30, 1974.

Welcoming Banson, the President expressed confidence that the Philippines and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta would further strengthen cooperation in humanitarian and social initiatives.

“With your background in the Philippines, I am sure that there will be much that we can do together in furthering the ideals and the aspirations that the Order has been created for,” Marcos said.

Marcos also recognized Malta’s long history of humanitarian service and expressed optimism that the Philippines and the Order would continue working together in assisting the country’s most vulnerable sectors.

For her part, Banson conveyed to the President the warm greetings and highest esteem of Fra’ John Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, as well as the entire Order.