PH, South Africa Celebrate 25 Years of Diplomatic Ties
Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles and Minister for Public Works Thulas Nxesi give a toast to celebrate Philippine independence. (Pretoria PE photo)
PRETORIA 17 July 2018 – The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria celebrated the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence and the 25th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and South Africa, at the residence of Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles on 12 June 2018.
The celebration was graced by Minister for Public Works Thulas Nxesi, members of the Diplomatic Corps, high government officials of South Africa, and other distinguished guests.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Angeles highlighted the recent economic gains of the Philippines, and stressed that the present success of the country is based on the same revolutionary zeal that Filipinos possess when they fought to achieve their freedom.
On the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and South Africa, Ambassador Angeles emphasized the strong and growing diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and South Africa.
The remarkable fact that South Africa is likewise celebrating the centenary of the birth of President Nelson Mandela was noted by Ambassador Angeles. He pointed out that South Africa’s beloved former President once visited the Philippines; and stated that the Philippines has been very successful in overcoming the legacy of colonialism, poverty, and ignorance; and that South Africa would stand a great deal by associating with the country.
Minister Nxesi extended the best wishes of the Government and people of South Africa. Minister Nxesi likewise recalled the visit of President Mandela to the Philippines and his fond memories of that visit.
The South African Minister thanked the Philippines for its steadfast opposition against apartheid; and noted with approval the continuing strong relationship between the Philippines and South Africa on various areas of cooperation such as during the recent Bilateral Consultative Forum, Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77.
The Minister especially thanked the Philippines for its support to South Africa’s candidature as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
Lunch consisting of classic Filipino food such as adobo, pansit, lumpia, kaldereta, and much more, followed by Filipino desserts such as gulaman and other pampalamig was served after the ceremony, drawing unanimous praise as being delectable and uniquely Filipino. END
(From left) Deputy Director-General Anil Soklal, Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles, Minister Thulas Nxesi, and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Bene Mpoko pose for a photo. (Pretoria PE photo)
(Seated clockwise from left) High Commissioner Mohammad Nizan Mohammad of Malaysia, Ambassador Park Jong Dae of the Republic of Korea, Ambassador U Myint Swe of Myanmar, Deputy Director General Soklal, Minister Nxesi and Ambassador Joseph Gerard B. Angeles enjoy some refreshments. (Pretoria PE photo)
For more information, visit www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph.