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MANILA, Philippines – Countries are paying tribute to the late president Fidel Ramos, under whose term the Philippines saw renewed international confidence fueled by political stability and economic growth.
Ramos, the Philippines’ 12th president, died on Sunday, July 31. He was 94.
United States
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson expressed Washington’s sympathies. “We will always remember his contributions to the US-Philippines bilateral relationship,” she said.
Before serving in government, Ramos enrolled as a cadet at the United States Military Academy in West Point, graduating in 1950 and joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army.
Ramos also received the US Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander), a decoration for citizens of other nations who are distinguished by “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service.”
China
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian expressed sincerest condolences on behalf of the Chinese embassy, saying he was saddened to hear of Ramos’ passing.
“The Chinese embassy is deeply grieved by the loss of an old friend. He will be missed by all of us,” Huang said. He recalled Ramos’ proposal to establish the Asian Forum in 1998 and his role as former chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia.
Japan
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed sadness over the passing of Ramos, whom he described as a “good old friend.”
Koshikawa paid tribute to the former president’s “great leadership,” adding that his work to strengthen Philippines-Japan ties would be remembered.
European Union
The European Union condoled with Ramos’ family and Filipinos, honoring the former president as a “dedicated statesman” and friend of Europe.
“FVR was a pillar of democracy and an icon of [the] EDSA revolution,” the EU tweeted.
Germany
German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel remembered Ramos as a “great friend” of Germany. In 1994, the former president visited Germany as part of a working trip to Europe, calling the country the Philippines’ “strongest economic link” to the region at the time.
During the trip, Ramos pushed for stronger business ties and sought to attract foreign investment in the Philippines.
France
The French government described Ramos as a “champion of democracy.”
He was among Filipinos awarded the French Legion of Honor, the Grand Cross – a prestigious order created by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor anyone, regardless of religion or nationality, who upholds liberty and equality. The order is the oldest and highest-ranking medal of honor in France.
Denmark
United Kingdom
British Ambassador Laure Beaufils shared sympathies with the Philippines and the Ramos family, adding that the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Filipinos over the late former president’s passing.
India
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran recalled Ramos’ 1997 state visit to India. During that trip, the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry and India’s National Small Industries Corporation Limited signed a memorandum of understanding to boost business ties.
“His contributions to stronger India-Philippines ties are deeply valued,” Kumaran said.
New Zealand
The New Zealand government extended its “deepest condolences” to the Ramos family and said it was in mourning with Filipinos. “His contributions to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between NZ and the PHL will never be forgotten,” the embassy said in a statement.
– Rappler.com
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