 |
| Toast to friendship between Congen Jun Israel and Chief Secretary Eric Chan |
The Philippines and Hong Kong last night reiterated their commitment to maintaining their close diplomatic, economic and cultural ties, at ceremonies marking the 128th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence held at Island Shangri-la Hotel in Admiralty.
Philippine Consul
General Romulo Victor Israel said: “On this occasion, we reaffirm the
unbreakable bond between the Philippines and Hong Kong which is rooted in history,
driven by commerce and sustained by the bond of mutual respect.”
He announced
various Philippine cultural events slated to be held in Hong Kong, including
the staging in December of a musical show depicting the life of the country’s
national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who once practised as an ophthalmologist in the
city. The play will mark the 130th anniversary of Dr. Rizal’s
martyrdom.
 |
| Basahin ang detalye! |
The world-famous
Philippine Madrigal Singers will also hold a musical concert in Hong Kong in
August, with the support of the HK Tourism Board and HK Chamber of Commerce.
In his reply,
Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan noted that the day also marked the
51st anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the
two governments. He also pointed out that the Philippines is this year’s host of
the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit, which goes by the
theme “navigating our future together.”
Chan said that working
together for peace and security is vital to ensuring the ties between the two
governments remain strong.
“In a world of
political uncertainties, we must all work together, we must advance peace and
security in our region. That is how we create the conditions for shared
economic prosperity and people-centered progress.”
Chan also cited statistics showing remarkable growth in trade between the two places and tourism arrivals from the Philippines to Hong Kong
 |
| Handshake ASEAN style between the region's consuls general and HK govt officials |
Chan's comments were
made a day after Beijing imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary
Gilberto Teodoro Jr and his immediate family, barring them from entering mainland
China, Hong Kong and Macau, and prohibiting Chinese businesses from dealing
with them.
China’s Foreign
Ministry said the sanctions were due to Teodoro making “irresponsible remarks
(that) undermines China’s legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines
relations.”
No specific remarks of Teodoro were mentioned, but the Philippine defense chief is known to be an outspoken critic of Beijing’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.
He has
previously said he had no assets in China and no plans to visit the country.
The formal program
at the diplomatic reception ended with Asean consuls general going up the stage
and traditional handshake by linking crossed arms.
Around 200 Filipino
community leaders joined guests from the Hong Kong government, diplomatic
corps, as well as civil society, business and professional groups at the event
hosted by the Philippine Consulate.
