PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR OPENS THE "DIPLOMATIC ENCOUNTERS" SERIES

The first event of the "Diplomatic Encounters" conference series, launched by our department, hosted H.E. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon Jr., Ambassador of the Philippines to Türkiye.

In his opening remarks, Head of Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Onur Tetik reviewed the historical development of Türkiye-Philippines relations and noted that both countries contribute to peace, stability and economic development in their respective regions. He added that meetings between students and practising diplomats bring classroom knowledge together with field experience.

Ambassador Ascalon Jr. spoke about his diplomatic career and the place of international law, sovereign rights and multilateral diplomacy in Philippine foreign policy. The discussion also covered the disputes in the South China Sea, including the 2016 arbitral award and the regional balance of power in Southeast Asia. In the Q&A session, students raised questions on diplomacy as a profession, bilateral relations and regional developments.