23 June 2014- Philippine Ambassador Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. presented his credentials as non-resident ambassador to Cuba to Cuban Vice-President Salvador Valdez Mesa, in a ceremony held at the historic Palacio de la Revolucion in Havana on June 18.

During the 20-minute audience with the Vice-President, Ambassador Dilem conveyed the greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III, for which the Vice-President expressed appreciation.

Ambassador Dilem also stated that the Philippines greatly valued its relationship with Cuba, due to the common cultural heritage and historic bonds that both countries share. He added that he would endeavor to foster closer ties and enhance political and trade relations between the Philippines and Cuba.

Ambassador Dilem also mentioned the Filipino community in Cuba, particularly the presence of six Filipino scholars studying medicine and engineering under the sponsorship of the Cuban government. He conveyed the Philippines’ appreciation for Cuba’s provision of annual scholarships to these students.

After the dialogue with the Vice President, Ambassador Dilem was led to the steps of the Palacio de la Revolucion, where a military band raised the Philippine national flag and performed a live rendition of the Philippine national anthem.

The five-day visit to Cuba also included meetings with Belgium’s ambassador to Cuba Luc Devolder, and his Filipina wife, Mrs. Teresita Lim-Devolder. Ambassador Dilem thanked them for supporting the entire Filipino community in Cuba, and the six scholars in particular. 

During the visit, Ambassador Dilem also met several times with officials of the Cuban Ministry of External Relations, and paid calls on his fellow ASEAN ambassadors from Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Lastly, a consular outreach mission for the Filipino community was successfully conducted with the invaluable assistance of Ms. Florinda Juarez, a long-term Filipino resident in Havana, and Ms. Elsa Alayon, a former local employee at the now-closed Philippine Embassy. END