PH Embassy in Damascus Holds Diplomatic Reception on the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
DAMASCUS 19 June 2023 — The Philippine Embassy in Damascus held a reception on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, on 11 June 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
Philippine Chargé d’Affaires to Syria John G. Reyes welcomed guests and expressed in his opening remarks that the celebration not just highlights the Philippines’ “hard-earned freedom and state of nationhood but serves also as our periodic pledge of the strong relations of the Philippines with Syria.”
CDA Reyes also conveyed the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo’s message for the said occasion, which highlights the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”
The event’s guest of honor, Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates Department of Asian Affairs Director H.E. Mohammed Haj Ibrahim, emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the Philippines and Syria, citing that Syria was among the first five countries that recognized the independence of Philippines in 1946. H.E. Ibrahim added the Philippines’ support to Syria during the war and devastating earthquake that occurred in February 2023.
For his part, Philippine Honorary Consul General Wassim Nanaa pointed out that the people of the two countries enjoy the same values towards life, peace, justice and the fight against colonialism, and hopes to boost bilateral economic, cultural and tourism cooperation.
During the reception, the Embassy showcased Filipino cuisine by serving Crispy Chicken Kare-Kare and Ube Ice Cream. Filipino culture and heritage were also presented through a fashion show featuring the various national costumes of the Philippines, which were gracefully modeled by the members of the Filipino community and Embassy Personnel.
Among the attendees were the Syrian Government Ministers Dr. Dareem Tabaa (Ministry of Education), Judge Ahmed Al-Sayed (Ministry of Justice), H.E. Louie Al-Munjed (Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor), and Dr. Diala Barkat (Ministry of State for Development of the Southern Region), ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Damascus, department directors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, and other officials of the Syrian government. END
For more information, visit https://www.damascuspe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSyria/, https://twitter.com/PHinSyria or https://www.instagram.com/phinsyria/.