Aquino confers order of Sikatuna on outgoing French ambassador

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday conferred the Order of Sikatuna on outgoing French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties between France and the Philippines.

Aquino conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu, Grand Cross (Gold Distinction) to Ambassador Mozota during his farewell call on him at Malacanang Palace.

The distinction was given to de Mozota for his outstanding efforts in strengthening the relations of France and the Philippines particularly on trade, culture and science and technology.

De Mozota, who was born in Paris in 1948, holds a bachelor’s degree in international law and a diploma in advanced political science.

He began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an assignment at the Embassy of France in New Delhi before he joined the Office for Asia-Oceania Affairs in Paris.

Before he assumed his post as French ambassador to the Philippines, he was the Ambassador of France to Brunei.

De Mozota was also conferred the national orders of Germany, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Nepal.

(PCOO/PIA9-ZBST)