PBBM fetes outgoing EU envoy to PH for exemplary service

CONFERMENT OF AWARD. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) shakes hands with outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday (Aug. 22, 2024). During the farewell call, Marcos thanked Véron for his key role in strengthening the relations between the Philippines and the EU. (Photo: Bongbong Marcos/Facebook)

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred Thursday the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) on outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador Luc Véron, in recognition of the diplomat’s key role in improving the international body’s relations with the Philippines.

Véron accepted the award when he went to Malacañan Palace to make a farewell call on Marcos.

Marcos said the Philippines and the EU’s ties have deepened with Véron at the helm.

“Since I’ve been president, I think that in that time, we really have seen a much deeper interconnection between the Philippines and the EU. I don’t think we’ve had this close relationship with the EU as we have now. And I’m happy that’s the case,” Marcos told the outgoing ambassador.

Marcos noted the importance of having the EU as the Philippines’ “friend,” especially in times of crisis.

In a Facebook post Thursday night, Marcos thanked Véron for the latter’s efforts in enhancing the EU’s economic and trade relations with the Philippines.

“I’d like to thank the EU Ambassador HE Luc Véron for the invaluable partnership the Philippines has built with the European Union through his leadership in the last three years,” he said.

The Order of Sikatuna is awarded by a Philippine president to individuals who have rendered “conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.”

Véron, whose tenure began on Feb. 10, 2021, has been instrumental in promoting high-level exchanges and facilitating numerous cooperation agreements, particularly in development cooperation.

The agreements have supported the Philippines’ priority areas, such as climate change, the green economy, energy, digital connectivity, and maritime cooperation.

Véron has also championed the rule of law and a rules-based international order, contributing to peace and development in Mindanao.

His efforts have supported the peace process and the transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He has likewise played a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to the Philippines during natural disasters and the coronavirus disease 2039 (Covid-19) pandemic.