Cyprus President Anastasiades Attends PH Independence Celebration Day in Cyprus, Assures Filipinos of Continued Support
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades (second from left) is met by Philippine Honorary Consul in Larnaca Ms. Charmagne Garcia-Laconico (fourth from left), her husband Mr. Nick Laconico (third from right), and Ms. Isabel Bucang-Leo (leftmost), President of Filipino Community organization, BIBAK Limassol, and member of the household of President Anastasiades.
CYPRUS 20 June 2022 – President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades was the Guest of Honor in the commemoration of the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence organized by the Filipino community organizations in Cyprus led the Philippine Honorary Consul in Larnaca Ms. Charmagne Garcia-Laconico at the Panos Solomonides Cultural Center in Limassol, Cyprus on 19 June 2022. The Philippine Embassy was represented by First Secretary and Consul Judy Barbara G. Robianes who delivered the Independence Day message of Philippine Ambassador to Greece Giovanni E. Palec.
The celebration included a photo exhibit of national heroes and highlights of Philippine history inside the main hall and a Barrio Fiesta with games, performances, and Filipino snacks and delicacies in the small square outside the venue. Video messages of Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. followed the welcome remarks of Honorary Consul Garcia-Laconico. The Independence Day Message of Ambassador Giovanni Palec to the Filipinos in Cyprus was read by First Secretary and Consul Robianes. The program also included performances of traditional dances and popular Filipino songs by various Filipino organizations and singers.
President Anastasiades said that the celebration gives another opportunity to reaffirm the excellent relations between Cyprus and the Philippines. He expressed feelings of immense respect and admiration for the Philippines and its people, reaffirming the excellent relations between the two countries that they have enjoyed since 1980 when they established diplomatic relations. He added that "despite the geographical distance that separates our countries, Cyprus and the Philippines share a friendship based on deep roots and long-term ties, always based on their common commitment to democratic values, pluralism and respect for international law.” He further expressed “willingness and readiness to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.”
The President also noted that the active community of Filipinos in Cyprus is one of the largest foreign communities on the island which enriches the cultural spectrum of Cypriot society. He assured further that he personally "will always stand by you and continue to do our utmost to ensure that all citizens of the Philippines in Cyprus receive the support and assistance they need to enjoy Cypriot hospitality.” He added that over the years the two peoples and countries have formed strong bonds of friendship and close cooperation, based on mutual understanding. There are about 18,000 Filipinos in Cyprus. END
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades enters the main hall of the Panos Solomonides Cultural Center where he is the Guest of Honor during the celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
Ms. Charmagne Garcia-Laconico, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Larnaca delivers her welcome remarks.
First Secretary and Consul Ms. Judy Barbara G. Robianes of the Philippine Embassy in Athens reads the Independence Day Message of H.E. Giovanni E. Palec, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines.
For more information, visit https://www.athenspe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinGreece/.