Foreign diplomats mourn death of former president Fidel Ramos

Former President Fidel V. Ramos (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign ambassadors on Monday joined the Philippines in mourning the passing of former president Fidel V. Ramos.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said he was “saddened” to hear of Ramos’ death, and extended his condolences to the former chief executive’s family.

“Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos was well known in China for his friendship and contribution to the bilateral relationship between our two countries,” he said in a social media post.

Huang touted how Ramos was one of the first to propose the establishment of “Asian Forum” in 1998, which incubated the Boao Forum for Asia in 2001, saying he played an “indispensable role in the development of the Forum.”

“The Chinese Embassy is deeply grieved by the loss of an old friend. He will be missed by all of us,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko likewise said he was  “saddened by the loss of a good old friend.”

“His strong leadership and great contribution to [Japan-Philippines] relationship will never be forgotten,” he said in a Twitter post.

Saddened by the loss of good old friend. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I extend sincere condolences to the people of 🇵🇭 and the family and friends of former President Fidel V. Ramos. His strong leadership and great contribution to 🇯🇵🇵🇭relationship will be never forgotten.

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) August 1, 2022

 The French Embassy in the Philippines likewise mourned the death of Ramos, describing him as a “champion of democracy.”

“The French Embassy joins the Philippine nation in mourning the death of former President Fidel V. Ramos — a champion of democracy,” it said in a Twitter post.

“President Ramos was an awardee of the prestigious French Legion of Honor, the Grand Cross,” it added.

The French Embassy 🇫🇷 joins the Philippine 🇵🇭 nation in mourning the death of former President Fidel V. Ramos — a champion of democracy.🕊️ President Ramos was an awardee of the prestigious French Legion of Honor, the Grand Cross. pic.twitter.com/Yj5GQTyZJ7

— France in the PH 🇫🇷🇵🇭 (@FrenchEmbassyPH) August 1, 2022

Ramos passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday.

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