The Philippine Embassy in Damascus celebrates the 125th anniversary of its country’s independence

Damascus (ST): The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Damascus organized a reception on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of its country’s independence, at the Damascus Sheraton Hotel.

The Chargé d’Affairs of the Embassy in Damascus, John Gomabos Reyes, stressed in a speech during the ceremony the importance of the hard-won Independence Day and the blood of the martyrs during decades of struggle and the fight against colonialism.

Reyes pointed out that the organization of this ceremony represents an affirmation of the strong relations of the Philippines with the Syrian leadership and people and the long history of friendship between them, indicating that his country’s foreign policy is summed up in firm commitment to the principles of human rights and equality within the Philippines, and dedication to building a prosperous and peaceful future.

Director of the Asia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Muhammad Haj Ibrahim explained that relations with the Philippines are old and solid, and Syria was among the first five countries to recognize the independence of the Philippines in 1946, which reflects its keenness and principled position in supporting the independence, freedom and sovereignty of all countries.

Haj Ibrahim pointed out that the two countries have the same values towards peace and a positive outlook on the future, thanking the government of the Philippines for its support and solidarity with the Syrian people, as the Philippine embassy in Damascus continued its work and support for Syria during the terrorist war that the country was exposed to, in addition to the efforts made by the Philippines government to face the repercussions of the disaster of the earthquake that hit Syria last February, by sending a lot of aid.

For his part, the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Aleppo, Wassim Naana, indicated that the peoples of the two countries enjoy the same values towards life, peace, justice, and fighting colonialism, expressing his aspiration to enhance bilateral economic, cultural and tourism cooperation efforts.

K.Q.