Philippines and Panama Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

The National Museum Building in Padre Burgos, Manila illuminated with colors of the Panamanian flag marking the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Philippines-Panama Diplomatic Relations, 28 September 2023, Manila. DFA-OAA Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga delivers his remarks in a ceremony for the illumination of the National Museum for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-Panama diplomatic relations.

MANILA 02 October 2023 – The Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Museum, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Embassy of Panama in Manila, commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Panama on 28 September 2023 by illuminating the National Museum Building in Padre Burgos, Manila, with the colors of the Panamanian flag. 

“The display of the colors of the Panamanian flag in the old city of Manila represents our commitment to further nurturing the partnership we have developed over the last five decades”, said DFA-Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga in his remarks during a brief ceremony held at the reception area of the National Museum. He underscored the importance of building on the shared interests and history of the two countries in pursuing more meaningful cooperation, both in the bilateral and in multilateral fora.

Assistant Secretary Chan-Gonzaga likewise acknowledged the strategic contributions of the two countries to the world’s maritime trade which began as early as the “Manila Galleon Trade”. Panama holds the highest number of vessel registry in the world while the Philippines produces the highest number of ship manpower. 

Present to witness the illumination of the National Museum building were the officials of the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Manila led by Charge d’Affaires Fabio Hidalgo Valdez, the representatives from the National Museum led by Chief Administrative Officer of the Museum Services Division Ms. Renielle Rogel, as well as officials from the DFA-Office of American Affairs. 

The illumination of the National Museum coincided with the illumination of the Bolivar Palace, which holds the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama, with the colors of the Philippine flag, and kick-starts the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Panama. 

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Panama were established on 28 September 1973. The two countries enjoy cooperative relations in the areas of trade, maritime, culture, and in the multilateral arena. END

DFA-OAA Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga delivers his remarks in a ceremony for the illumination of the National Museum for the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-Panama diplomatic relations.

DFA-OAA Assistant Secretary Chan-Gonzaga (center), Embassy of Panama Charge d’Affaires Fabio Hidalgo Valdez (left), and National Museum Chief Administrative Officer of the Museum Services Division Ms. Renielle Rogel (right) pose with the Philippine and Panamanian flags in front of the illuminated National Museum building.