06 December 2016 – Philippine Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega paid an introductory call on Colombian Consul General Maria Isabel Nieto, President of the Society of Consuls in New York.

During their meeting, Consul General Dizon-De Vega and Consul General Nieto talked about the forthcoming projects of the Society of Foreign Consuls. Consul General De Vega likewise reaffirmed the active participation of the Philippines in the various events of the Society including the International Food and Cultural Festival to be held in February 2017.

The Consuls General exchanged views on current concerns of their respective Consulates General as well as shared their best practices in assisting their respective nationals on immigration and labor issues.

They also discussed the increasing number of high-level exchanges between Philippine and Colombian officials including the visit of Colombian President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Juan Manuel Santos to the Philippines in 2015 and the previous visit of Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa last September to meet with his Colombian counterparts to talk about combatting the Illegal Drug Trade.

Consul General De Vega likewise noted that the Philippines is pleased that Colombia has decided to open a resident Embassy in Manila. END