PH Ambassador Thanks Tolerance Minister for UAE's Advance Humanitarian Support, Cites Strengthening Bilateral Ties at PH Diplomatic Reception

Left photo: UAE Minister for Tolerance and Co-existence His Highness Sheikh Nahyan (center) graces the Philippine National Day Diplomatic Reception hosted by Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso A. Ver (right) and Madame Belinda Caroline Ver (left). Right photo: Ambassador Ver addresses the 200-plus audience at the diplomatic reception comprising UAE officials, members of the diplomatic corps in Abu Dhabi, the business sector and Filipino professionals, business people and community leaders. (Abu Dhabi PE photo)

ABU DHABI 19 June 2023 — UAE Minister for Tolerance and Co-existence His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso A. Ver at the National Day Reception he hosted with Madame Belinda Caroline Ver, on 15 June 2023 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The event was attended by over 200 people including UAE officials, Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps in Abu Dhabi, the UAE business sector, members of the media, and Filipino business, professional and community leaders.

In his message, Ambassador Ver centered on Sara "Sachii" Al Shehi, the young Filipina-Emirati who gave a heartfelt rendition of the UAE and Philippine National anthems. According to the Ambassador, the musician-songwriter, a graduate of BS Psychology from Zayed University and born of a Filipina mother and an Emirati father who is a retired Colonel of UAE Immigration, personifies the deep and abiding friendship between the two countries and the hopes and dreams for the future, our next generation.

The Ambassador also echoed the message of thanks from Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the people and Government of the UAE, for the UAE's 50-plus tons of humanitarian aid to the Philippines, sent in advance and to prepare for the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano. He cited this as the essence of the deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, that even before the need arises, and even without any call for assistance, help is generously given.

This is made possible, he said, because the UAE recognizes the contributions made by the Filipino community to the UAE, as Filipino architects and engineers were among the ones who helped build the first buildings, bridges and infrastructure in the UAE when Founding Father Sheikh Zayed established the country 71 years ago. Now, numbering a million-strong in 2023, the Filipinos in the UAE continue to help shape the future of this country, with their presence in all sectors of UAE life, their contribution to the country's economy, and the rich, colorful, multicultural tapestry UAE society.

This also paves the way for the expansion of PH-UAE cooperation into the soon signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which will further boost bilateral trade and investment, cooperation on Climate Change through a bilateral MOU, cooperation on Renewable Energy through a Framework Agreement.

The Philippine National Day message was followed by the traditional cutting of the cake with Mininister Nahyan and Ambassador Ver, which was witnessed by the Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps. The cake, a creation of Filipino chef Roderick Hinampas and FilFood was a 3D representation of Bohol Island with the Chocolate hills, named by UNESCO as the country's first global geopark.

Front and center at the event was Filipino culture and heritage, with the documentary entitled, "Segundo Pulo" from The Cultured Group (TCG) and The Carrot Brand (TCB), highlighting the exquisite craftsmanship of our Filipino artisans from Lumban, Laguna, in creating the traditional Barong and Terno, and the need to preserve this heritage.

Food being central to Filipino culture, the Embassy prepared a carefully curated Filipino buffet for the delight of guests at the diplomatic reception. Added as specialty food booths were offerings from known PH brands Pancake House and Max’s Restaurant, and from UAE-based Filipino food businesses Queen Saba, Panaderia Bakery and Hot Palayok. Also an additional treat are San Miguel Beer alcoholic and non-alcoholic products as well as Fundador and Emperador Brandy from Filipino-owned Emperor Distillers.

Tourism was another highlight of the event, with videos of various tourism destinations and activities in the Philippines shown to whet the appetite of the foreign guests for the country's tropical paradise. Lucky members of the diplomatic corps won via raffle draw two airline tickets from Cebu Pacific, and one airline ticket from the Philippine Airlines.

Ambassador Ver thanked the Embassy's partners and the Filipino community for coming together to show the UAE officials, the Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, and foreign counterparts, the best that the Philippines and our people can offer. END

Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso A. Ver, UAE Minister for Tolerance and Co-existence His Highness Sheikh Nahyan and Madame Belinda Caroline Ver proceed with the ceremonial cutting of the cake. Right photo: HH Min. Nahyan and Madame Ver with the members of the diplomatic corps that attended the PH National Day Reception. (Abu Dhabi PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinUAE/, https://twitter.com/PHinUAE or https://www.instagram.com/phinuae/.