Philippines, Mexico Commemorate 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations

The Rizal Monument at Rizal Park was illuminated with the colors of the Mexican flag.

Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of American Affairs (DFA-OAA) Director for the Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Division Ms. Stephanie Alexis A. Cruz (left photo), and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Mexico Ms. Daniela Gil Sevilla (right photo) deliver remarks to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. 

MANILA 18 April 2023 –  On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United Mexican States, the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of American Affairs (DFA-OAA), in cooperation with the Embassy of Mexico in Manila and the National Park Development Committee (NPDC), spearheaded the illumination of the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park with the colors of the Mexican Flag on 14 April 2023. 

DFA-OAA Director for the Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Division Ms. Stephanie Alexis A. Cruz, in her remarks, expressed that the illumination of the emblematic monuments or buildings in the Philippines and in Mexico with the colors of each country’s flag celebrates the past 70 years of good robust relations, and is a commitment to each other to strengthen and further enhance the Philippine-Mexico relationship for another 70 years. Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Mexico Ms. Daniela Gil Sevilla emphasized the importance of the shared history of both countries stemming from the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade, and how this has shaped the relationship in trade, people-to-people exchanges and other areas between the Philippines and Mexico.

The illumination of the Rizal Monument coincided with the illumination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building in Mexico City with the colors of the Philippine flag from 7PM onwards (Mexico time) on 13 April 2023 / 9AM (Philippine Standard Time) on 14 April 2023. The Mexican Senate building was also illuminated with the colors of the Philippine flag to celebrate the 70 year anniversary. The illumination of these notable landmarks in Manila and Mexico City kick-starts the year-long celebration of the robust and enduring Philippines and Mexico bilateral relations that began on 14 April 1953.

As an additional activity to commemorate this milestone event, the DFA-OAA coordinated with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) the airing of a 10-second video loop showing graphics of the Philippines and Mexico 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations on the electronic billboard (LED Wall) at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Vicente Sotto Street in the CCP Complex from 9AM to 9PM on the same day.

The illumination activity and the CCP video presentation, along with many other activities being planned to celebrate this milestone year of diplomatic relations, demonstrate the commitment of the Philippines and Mexico to further enhance their cooperative ties, elevate bilateral relations to new heights, and broaden cooperation in areas of mutual interest. END

(Left photo) Personnel from the DFA-OAA Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Division with the personnel from the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines; (Right photo) Students visiting Rizal Park pose with the Philippine and Mexican flags.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs building (left photo) in Mexico and the Mexican Senate Building (center and right photo) were illuminated with the colors of the Philippine flag.

Video loop showing graphics of the Philippines and Mexico 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations on the electronic billboard (LED Wall) at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Vicente Sotto Street in the CCP Complex