Outgoing EU Ambassador Jessen bids PH goodbye

Outgoing European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen talks to Manila-based reporters about the state of EU’s relation to the Philippines, human rights situation, and other issues before leaving the country this weekend. GAB LALU / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen on Saturday bid goodbye to the country he had lived and worked in for four years.

“It has been an honor to work with the people of the Philippines. You are blessed with a wonderful country, great traditions, a rich, but also complicated and difficult past,” Jessen said in his farewell message to Filipinos, which was posted on the EU Facebook timeline on Saturday, Aug. 31.

https://www.facebook.com/EUDelegationToThePhilippines/photos/a.392357730887256/2245338888922455/?type=3&permPage=1

He added that he remained optimistic that the Philippines would do very well, adding: “My optimism is based on your intrinsic strength.”

Jessen then cited what he considered his achievements during his four-year stint as EU envoy — such as the visits of EU Council Donald President Tusk and EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini.

Jessen added that the EU-Philippine Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was ratified and has now entered into force.

“All relationships need to be maintained, this applies to personal as well as to international relations. We have succeeded in this,” he said.

“I am grateful for the growth that I have seen in my personal friendships with you, I could not have wished for more,” he added.

In a farewell breakfast with Manila-based reporters on Tuesday, Jessen gave this advice to his successor: “Don’t immediately react.”

READ: EU envoy’s advice to his successor in PH: Don’t react immediately

/atm