Philippine Embassy in Berlin Emphasizes Sovereign Equality and the Rule of Law at Independence Day Diplomatic Reception
Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad and Deputy Director General Martin Thummel in a ceremonial toast during the commemoration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence
BERLIN 03 July 2024 – During a diplomatic reception at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin on June 25, 2024, the Philippine Embassy in Berlin emphasized the Philippines' struggles for sovereignty and the importance of the rule of law as it commemorated the 126th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad, in her remarks, highlighted the challenges faced by the Philippines in terms of sovereignty and freedom from those who disregard the UN Charter and international law. She stressed: “The Philippines will continue to uphold and stay true to the principles of the UN Charter and the rule of law. We manifested this in 2016 when we brought our dispute with China on the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration which ruled in favor of the Philippines and clarified maritime entitlements under the UNCLOS.“ She reflected on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Independence Day message emphasizing the importance of safeguarding our independence and addressing threats peacefully. She highlighted the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the 70th anniversary of Philippine-German diplomatic relations, the multiple high-level diplomatic engagements between our countries, and our shared commitments to protecting the environment, sustainable practices, and a peaceful Indo-Pacific.
Dr. Martin Thummel, Deputy Director General for East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, represented the Federal Foreign Office and noted both nations' shared challenges and principles as middle-sized countries. He also referred to the recent incident in the West Philippine Sea, stating that it “prompted us (Germany) for the first time to issue a statement from the capital - from Berlin - to state opposition, that the Arbitral Award of 2016 is a legally binding decision, that the Philippines’ rights to its exclusive economic zone must not be contested, that all complications must cease.”
The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus and the Filipiniana Dance Group, featured performers for the evening, enthralled the guests with their repertoire of Filipino songs and dances. END
The commemorative note for the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Germany diplomatic relations
The Filipiniana Dance Group and the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus wow the guests with their performances.
For more information, visit https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.de, https://www.facebook.com/PHinGermany or https://www.instagram.com/phingermany/.