PHL Embassy Hosts 119th Independence Day Reception at Musée National De La Marine in Paris in Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-France Bilateral Relations
Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro with members of Aleron choir as she delivers her welcome remarks.
23 June 2017 PARIS — The Philippine Embassy in Paris held a special celebration on June 15 for its annual Independence Day diplomatic reception, as this year marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and France. This year is also significant for the Philippines, as current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and having taken the lead in the association’s celebration of its 50th anniversary.
The diplomatic reception hosted by the Embassy, held at the Musée National de la Marine on Place du Trocadéro, was attended by 200 distinguished representatives from the French government, the diplomatic corps of France, and official delegations to UNESCO and to OECD. Members of the Philippine Congress, Representative Pia Cayetano, Representative Arthur Yap and Representative Jose Panganiban, Jr., had also been able to grace this milestone event.
Ambassador Maria Theresa Lazaro said, “I am pleased to highlight that this year marks the 70th anniversary of Philippines-France bilateral relations. We have enjoyed substantial progress in our relations, and allow me to express the desire of the Philippines to further develop and strengthen relations for even greater mutual benefit. I wish to acknowledge the constructive support and cooperation from counterparts and colleagues across the various sectors of French government, business, education, science and technology, animation, digital economy and civil society among others in this endeavor.”
The reception featured the unveiling of the commemorative postage stamps that will jointly be issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation and La Poste France on June 26. The two designs featured in the stamps were a painting of Macario Vitalis, a Filipino national artist, who lived in France, and a painting of Jacques Villon, a famous French, Cubist and impressionist painter.
The program started with the Philippine and French national anthems, performed by visiting Filipino choir Aleron. Filipino culinary favorites were also showcased.
For more information, visit www.parispe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/officialphilembassyfrance. END