20 November 2015 – On behalf of the Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Grand Cross, Gold Distinction (Datu, Katangiang Ginto) on outgoing Iranian Ambassador Ali Asghar Mohammadi at the Department of Foreign Affairs today.  A citation, signed by President Aquino, recognized the “important contributions of the Ambassador in sustaining the momentum of vibrant relations between Iran and the Philippines, leading to the deepening of relations in an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill.”

Ambassador Mohammadi has served actively for four years and 11 months in the Philippines.  During his tour of duty, the Ambassador has played a significant role in further developing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Iran.  He has rendered humanitarian assistance to various groups in the Philippines and led the participation of the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Team in relief operations during the aftermath of Sypertyphoon Yolanda.  He has espoused Iran’s long-standing support for lasting peace in Mindanao and has mediated on behalf of Filipino inmates in Iran.  Two Joint Consular Consultation Meetings (JCCM) were convened in 2012 and 2014 during his term as Ambassador.  During these meetings, the two sides exchanged views on consular cooperation, extradition, and mutual legal assistance.

Ambassador Mohammadi spearheaded the celebrations of the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Iran in 2014.

Department of Foreign Affairs officials led by Office of Middle East and African Affairs Assistant Secretary Julius D. Torres and officials of the Iranian Embassy were present at the conferment ceremony.  END