Philippine Ambassador to Kenya and Non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi Marie Charlotte G. Tang presented her credentials to President Evariste Ndayishimiye on 27 June 2022 at the Palais Ntare Rushatsi in Bujumbura.

Ambassador Tang conveyed the felicitations of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the President and the people of Burundi as the country celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence on 01 July 2022.

She expressed her hope to work with Burundian officials in enhancing bilateral relations and people-to-people relations. 

President Ndayishimiye welcomed the cordial relations between the Philippines and Burundi and stated that the Philippines can share its expertise in many fields to support Burundi’s development.

In addition to Ambassador Tang, envoys of Romania, Hungary, Algeria, Indonesia, and Malawi also presented their credentials to President Ndayishimiye.

During her visit to Bujumbura, Ambassador Tang also met with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, including Permanent Secretary Ferdinand Bashikako.

She also met with the small Filipino community in Burundi, working with UN agencies, manufacturing companies, and religious congregations.

Burundi is a small landlocked republic located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. The capital was moved to Gitega in 2018 although Bujumbura remains the country’s largest city and main commercial hub.

The Philippines and Burundi formally established diplomatic relations in 2017.