10 February 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Grace Relucio Princesa chaired the first luncheon meeting of the Asian Diplomatic Group for the year on January 29 at Max’s Restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The Philippines assumed as Chair of the Group last December 04, 2014.

The Asian Diplomatic Group is composed of Ambassadors or Heads of Missions of 28 Asian embassies in Abu Dhabi as well as the Ambassadors of Norway and Switzerland, who are honorary members. The group meets every month to discuss ways on how to enhance relations with the UAE and its various institutions as well as issues affecting Asia.

During the meeting, Ambassador Princesa exchanged views with the Asian Ambassadors on how to strengthen overall relations with the UAE. The group also discussed possible activities within the year to strengthen camaraderie among Asian diplomatic missions.

The Philippine Ambassador shared her advocacies concerning Filipinos in the UAE, including the Pinoy Worldwide Initiative for Investment, Savings and Enterprise (WISE) Financial Literacy Seminar Workshops. The undersigned also promoted abaca and pili nuts to the Ambassadors present.

The meeting also served as an introduction of Philippine cuisine. Some of the dishes served were the original Max’s fried chicken, sinigang na tyan ng bangus, steamed fish in black bean sauce, pancit canton and lumpiang shanghai. Halo-halo and a sampler of buko pandan, ube crème decadence, leche flan and cream cheese brownie à la monde were served as dessert.  END