PH, Croatia Diplomatic Relations Anniversary Features Launch of First Joint Issuance of Commemorative Stamps
Honorary Consul of Croatia Edgardo Reyes (right), Postmaster General Joel L. Otarra (middle) and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Amelita C. Aquino (left) unveiled the commemorative stamp and first day cover. (DFA OEA photo)
MANILA 14 December 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), hosted the ceremonial launching of special commemorative stamps in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Philippines-Croatia diplomatic relations on 05 December 2018.
Postmaster General and PHLPost Chief Executive Officer Joel L. Otarra, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Ma. Amelita C. Aquino, and Honorary Consul of Croatia Edgardo Reyes unveiled the commemorative stamps, which featured the Philippines’ Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila and Croatia’s St. Michael’s Fortress in Sibenik.
In her remarks, Assistant Secretary Aquino reiterated the commitment of the Philippines to further deepen and strengthen bilateral relations with Croatia. The launching of the first issuance of Philippines-Croatia special commemorative stamps, and the conduct of the third Philippines-Croatia Sub-Ministerial consultations in New York, held on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, marked the celebration of this important milestone.
For his part, Consul Reyes highlighted the similarities of the two countries in geography, transportation and shipbuilding, religion, and defense of borders. He further stated that the mutual desire to improve friendships and strengthen relationships would serve as impetus for further engagements in other areas of cooperation. He cited previous high level visits of former Philippine government officials to Croatia as proof of the two countries’ cordial relations.
After unveiling the commemorative stamps, philatelic frames containing souvenir sheets and first day covers were presented to Consul Reyes, Philippine Sports Commissioner Arnold Agustin, and representatives from partner agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Souvenir sheets and official first day covers of the 25th anniversary of Philippines-Croatia diplomatic relations were made available on 05 December 2018 in all the PhilPost's postal areas. Hrvatska Pošta (Croatian Post) likewise launched the commemorative stamps in Croatia on the same date. END
Postmaster General Joel L. Otarra and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Amelita C. Aquino presented Honorary Consul of Croatia Edgardo Reyes with a philatelic frame of the commemorative stamps. (DFA OEA photo)
Philatelic frames presented to representatives of partner agencies such as Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Philippines Sports Commission, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (DFA OEA photo)