PH Celebrates Milestone 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with a number of countries this year
75th Diplomatic Relations Logos. Left: PH-Denmark logo represents windmills with wind blades, depicting the shapes of the two countries’ national flowers – Sampaguita and Daisy, and a vision of sustainability. Right: PH-Australia logo represents the elements of the countries national flags – the Philippine Sun and the Commonwealth Star – and symbolizes the common values and friendship that the two countries have forged over 75 years.
PASAY CITY 19 March 2021 — Amidst the ongoing worldwide crisis due to the pandemic, the Philippines will be having a year-long of commemorative activities in celebration of its 75 years of Diplomatic Relations with Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxemburg, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Syria, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Irelands and the United States of America.
Marking the Philippine and Egypt Diplomatic Relations established on 03 March 1945, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. highlighted the “array of fruitful dialogues and consultations to extend mutual support in various international issues and concerns [between the two countries].” Full video message of Secretary Locsin may be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2OF05ws
In Egypt, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Sulpicio M. Confiado met various officials such as Port Said Governorate Governor Major General Adel Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Ghadban to discuss the possible sister city arrangements between Port Said and selected cities in the Philippine as well as the historical importance of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Suez Canal journey and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Professor Dr. Khaled El-Enany to discuss possible areas for cooperation on tourism, culture and people to people exchanges. The Diamond Jubilee of PH-Egypt Diplomatic Relations carries this theme entitled, 75 Years: Deepening Friendship Philippines-Egypt 1946-2021. More on these stories on: https://bit.ly/3lq8sa, https://bit.ly/3cFT2eT
In the U.S., the Philippine Embassy in the United States, US-Philippines Society, and St. Joseph-on-Carrollton Manor Parish jointly observed on 09 February 2021 the 56th death anniversary of Joaquin Miguel Elizalde, first Philippine Ambassador to the United States (1946-1952). “The commemoration of Ambassador Elizalde’s death anniversary auspiciously marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 75th year of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement following the ceremony. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/2OJR31d
In line with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations of Columbia and Brazil with the Philippines this year, Secretary Locsin, received Colombian Ambassador Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez and Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Jose Maria De Souza e Silva in a back-to-back courtesy call on 16 February 2021. The said meetings pushed further cooperation in security, environment and social development. More on this story on: https://bit.ly/3tlaCf0
Meanwhile, the launch of the Danish-commissioned, Philippine-made high-speed ferry, Fjord FSTR on 05 March 2021 coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Denmark diplomatic relations. Philippine Ambassador to Denmark Leo M. Herrera-Lim conveyed that ''the delivery of the ship is a significant milestone as it is the first wholly constructed ship in the Philippines to carry passengers and cargoes in Denmark. It also reflects the vibrant relations between our two countries." More on this story on: https://bit.ly/3s0mJxE
In Australia, recent efforts in celebration of the bilateral relations between the country and the Philippines include the mainstreaming of Filipino products in retail stores such as the Giant retailer Woolworths and the arrival of the Philippines’ first-ever shipment of frozen durian from Davao on 02 March 2021. Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega said this is a breakthrough development that could further expand exports of other fruits and vegetables from Mindanao. Another significant cooperation to mark this year’s anniversary milestone is on higher education and research, particularly in naval architecture and marine engineering with the University of Tasmania Australian Maritime College in support of the Philippine shipbuilding industry. More on these stories on: https://bit.ly/2NpBZ8i, https://bit.ly/2NtuQ72, https://bit.ly/30WyGsi, https://bit.ly/2NrxvOs, https://bit.ly/3vBzqkS. END
On 27 January 2021, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Sulpicio M. Confiado met with Port Said Governorate Governor Major General Adel Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Ghadban to discuss the historical importance of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Suez Canal journey. Port Said Governorate officials explain to Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Confiado and delegation the draft layout of the History Park in the East District of Port Said, where a special place for a Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial may be set up. (Cairo PE photo)
From left: Philippine Consul General Jose Victor Chan Gonzaga; Fr. Kevin Farmer, Pastor of St. Joseph-on-Carrollton Manor Parish; and US-Philippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickson (Washington PE photo)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. with Colombian Ambassador Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez (left photo) and Brazilian Ambassador Jose Maria De Souza e Silva (right photo) during the back-to-back courtesy calls on 16 February 2021. (Photo by DFA-OPCD Vanessa Ubac)
Fjord FSTR, sets sail from Cebu to Hirtshals, Denmark on 05 March 2021. The launch of the vessel coincides with the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Denmark diplomatic relations. (Copenhagen PE photo)
Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Elizabeth P. Buensuceso and the delegation from Denmark during the second Philippines-Denmark Bilateral Consultations on 23 February 2021. (DFA photo)
Filipino product range now on display in Australia at Woolworths supermarket in Sydney and Philippine durian now available in Australia. (Photo courtesy of Aus Asia Produce Pty Ltd.)
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega delivers her message during the 75th Anniversary Reception for the Filipino community in Tasmania on 03 March 2021 at the Royal Yacht Club. (Canberra PE photo)
Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega calls on with various officials to discuss plans for the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia in 2021. Top left: Ambassador De La Vega met with Mr. George Christensen MP, Member for Dawson, Queensland, and member of the Australia Philippines Parliamentary Group, at Parliament House on 18 February 2021. Top right: Ambassador De La Vega with Hon Damian Drum MP, Member for Nicholls, Victoria, and member of the Australia Philippines Parliamentary Group at Parliament House on 17 February 2021. Bottom left: On 24 February 2021, Ambassador De La Vega meets Ms. Rowland MP. Ms. Rowland welcomed initiatives to further enhance PH-AU diplomatic relations and paid tribute to the important contributions of Filipinos in Australia. Bottom right: The ambassador with Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, at their meeting on 09 March at Parliament House.(Canberra PE photo)
The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Australia Chapter was officially formed during the 75th Anniversary of PH-AU Relations on 06 March 2021 with 30 charter members from Australia and New Zealand. Six members including Charter President Hazel Aguilar based in Canberra joined the virtual ceremony at the Philippine Embassy in Australia. UAP is the accredited professional organization of architects in the Philippines with over 42,000 members. The following UAP Australian Charter Officers were inducted during the ceremony. (Canberra PE photo)