DAMASCUS, Aug.8, (ST)- The embassies of Indonesia and the Philippines in Damascus organized on Monday Bowling Friendship Tournament on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Damsquino Mall in the Kafr Sousa neighborhood in Damascus.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Damascus, Wajid Fawzi, expressed in a speech his wishes that this friendly meeting would enhance relations and friendship between the peoples of Asia and Syria, pointing out that the Association maintained security and stability in the region by integrating values among all societies of its countries through respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states and not intervening in the affairs of other countries and adhering to the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
For her part, the Chargé d’Affairs of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus Vida Soraya Verzosa showed her appreciation for the steadfastness of the Syrian people in facing challenges and difficulties, indicating that sports diplomacy is a very important aspect in promoting cultural cooperation between the Philippines and Syria and a form of developing relations.
In a statement to reporters, the Director of the Consular and Expatriates Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Ziad Zahreddine, said that this sporting activity reflects a good and distinguished relationship with the ASEAN countries and with Indonesia and the Philippines, referring to the importance of benefiting from this experience and the successes achieved by the Association in various fields.
The contestants from both embassies expressed their happiness to participate in this activity, especially that bowling is a fun game that is well-followed by all age groups and it has great benefits, most notably strengthening muscles, enhancing motor skills, reducing body stress and increasing physical fitness.
Basma Qaddour