Philippine Embassy in Damascus commemorates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Syria

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Damascus held a reception on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Syria, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Bashar Al-Jaafari stressed, in a speech, the deeply rooted friendly relations between the two countries. 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.  The Philippine embassy continued working in Damascus during the terrorist war waged against Syria, which reflects the depth of friendship between the two countries and their peoples, Al-Jaafari added.

Al-Jaafari expressed his hope that the cooperation between the two countries will result in promoting trade and economic exchange, especially due to the fact that the two countries signed  14 bilateral cooperation agreements in various fields.

Al-Jaafari highlighted the historical contact between Syria and Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, where now there are about 10,000 Syrian citizens living in the Philippines.

In her speech, Chargé d’Affairs in Damascus, Feda Soraya Verzosa, affirmed her country’s wish and keenness to implement the agreements signed with Syria in the fields of economic and cultural cooperation and exchange,  trade, education, investment, protection, tourism promotion, housing and construction. The two countries also signed  a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in combating cross-border crimes, including combating trafficking in persons.

Verzosa indicated that her country’s embassy did not close its doors during the years of the crisis that Syria was subjected to. She highlighted the steadfastness of the two countries which successfully defended their territorial sovereignty on the ground as well as in international forums. The two countries also exchanged support in various issues that concern and serve the interests of their peoples and strengthen friendship relations between them.

During the ceremony, a congratulatory message was broadcast from the Governor of Aleppo, Hussein Diab, in which he affirmed the depth of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, pointing out that Aleppo had a good share of fruitful cooperation through joint efforts between Syria and the Philippines.

For his part, the Honorary Consul of the Philippines, Waseem Nanaa, affirmed that the people of the two countries enjoy the same values of peace, justice and hospitality, pointing to efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The ceremony included a prayer for peace in the world, lighting the candle of unity between Syria and the Philippines, presenting songs and displaying artworks on the Philippines’ culture, heritage and landscapes.

Inas Abdulkareem