Focus on Dr. Jose Rizal’s Suez Canal Journey and Sister City Arrangement, as PH Embassy in Cairo and Port Said Governorate Meet Ahead of PH and Egypt 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Philippine Ambassador Suspicio M. Confiado meets with Major General. Al-Ghadban, Governor of Port Said. (Cairo PE photo)
CAIRO 29 January 2021 — Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Sulpicio M. Confiado met with Major General Adel Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Ghadban, Governor of the Port Said Governorate on 27 January 2021.
Ambassador Confiado was accompanied by Mme. Priscila R. Confiado, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Bojer B. Capati, Cultural Officer Rammaila V. Tolentino and Ms. Dina Asaad, Translator.
During the meeting, Ambassador Confiado and Gov. Al-Ghadban talked about possible areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Egypt, particularly in culture, trade and investment. The two sides sought to strengthen partnerships, especially in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Egypt this year.
Both Ambassador Confiado and Gov. Al-Ghadban agreed to explore sister city arrangements between Port Said and selected city(-ies) in the Philippines. Gov. Al-Ghadban also highlighted the importance of the Suez Canal in global trade, as well as other economic opportunities in Port Said. Ambassador Confiado said that both sides can study possible agreements in import-export of agricultural products, fisheries, port management, as well as logistics cooperation.
During the meeting with Gov. Al-Ghadban (right) and Maj. Gen. Mohamed Baraya (left). (Cairo PE photo)
Major. Al-Ghadban present a plaque to Ambassador Confiado
After the meeting with the Governor, Ambassador Confiado and his delegation were briefed with trade and economic opportunities with the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Maj. Gen. Mohamed Baraya, Vice President of the Suez Canal Economic Authority presented the strategic importance of Suez Canal and the possible economic opportunities within its four economic zones and six ports.
Maj. Gen. Baraya particularly highlighted the opportunities in the Fayrouz Fish Farm Project, a recently inaugurated fisheries project and the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
Apart from economic cooperation, Ambassador Confiado underscored the importance of Suez Canal in Philippine history, particularly the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s brief stops in Port Said, on his way to Europe in 1882, and his eventual return to the Philippines. Gov. Al-Ghadban said they will prepare a memorandum with the Philippines in relation to the establishment of a History Park in the East District of Port Said, where a special place for a Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial may be set up.
After the meetings, Amb. Confiado’s delegation toured Nasr Military Museum, Martyrs’ Square, Port Said Old Quarter and the site of the History Park. They were accompanied by Eng. Amr Othman, Vice Governor of Port Said, and Mr. Mohamed El-Desouky, Cultural Counsellor to the Port Said Governor. END
Tour of the Touristic District of Port Said. (Cairo PE photo)
Visit of the History Park Site. (Cairo PE photo)
Port Said Governorate officials explaining to Amb. Confiado and delegation the draft layout of the History Park
For more information, visit https://www.cairope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinEgypt/.