Damascus-SANA
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Damascus organized a reception on the occasion of the 124th anniversary of the country's independence day, at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.
Chargé d'Affairs in Damascus Vida Soraya Verzosa explained in a speech during the ceremony the importance of Independence Day, which was hard-won and the blood of martyrs during hundreds of years of fighting colonialism, noting that it is an essential part of Filipino culture.
Verzosa affirmed her country's desire and keenness to implement the agreements signed with Syria for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries, noting that the Philippines is keen to provide opportunities for economic growth and that the new President Ferdinand Marcos is interested in economic development and talks to strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
Verzosa pointed out that Syria and the Philippines have a long history of friendship, noting that the independent Philippine foreign policy of "being friends with all" has opened new opportunities to work with various countries in full respect for the sovereignty of countries.
Director of the Asia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Khaled Sharaf explained that relations with the Philippines are old and solid, and Syria was among the first five countries that recognized the independence of the Philippines in 1946, which reflects its keenness and principled stance in supporting the independence, freedom and sovereignty of all countries.
Sharaf pointed out that relations were strengthened with the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus in 2008, in addition to the signing of 14 bilateral cooperation agreements in various fields, expressing his hope that trade relations with the Philippines would rise to the level of political relations.
For his part, the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Aleppo, Waseem Nanaa, pointed out that the peoples of the two countries enjoy the same values of life, peace, justice and hospitality, expressing his aspiration to enhance bilateral economic, cultural and tourism cooperation efforts.
In a statement on the sidelines of the ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Buthaina Shaaban, stressed the importance and depth of friendship between the two countries and their peoples, as the Philippines stood by Syria in a clear stance against terrorism, as it unites them culturally, civilly and morally.
The ceremony included a prayer for peace in the world, songs and artworks on the culture, heritage and landscapes of the Philippines, Filipino folk dances, martial arts performances, and traditional foods from the Filipino cuisine.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Ghassan Obeid, Director of the Protocol Department, Dr. Ziad Zahreddin, Director of the Consular Department, Rania Al Haj Ali, Director of the Organizations Department, Dr. Yamen Youssouf, Director of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates' Office, a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Damascus, members of the Syrian Diplomatic Corps Club and religious figures.
Reem Hishma and Maha Al-Qahf
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