Top dignitaries grace the 120th celebration of PH independence in Brazil
Undersecretary-General Ary Quintela of the Foreign Ministry of Brazil was the guest of honor in the diplomatic reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in honor of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence on 12 June at the famous Army Club of Brasilia. Other top officials from the Foreign Ministry also graced the occasion as well as members of the diplomatic corps and Brazilian officials.
In her speech, Ambassador Marichu Mauro outlined the strong relations between Brazil and the Philippines and pointed out that the cooperation in the areas of agriculture, defense, poverty alleviation, and the common cultural and historical bond, have been instrumental in strengthening the warm and cordial ties existing between the two countries.
Ambassador Mauro also took the opportunity to express her sincere gratitude to the officials of the Foreign Ministry remarking that “Since my arrival in April, the Itamaraty’s (Foreign Ministry) full support for my initiatives in bolstering our bilateral ties has been overwhelming”.
Undersecretary Quintela, on the other hand, remarked that Brazil had great admiration for the rich culture of the Philippines and for the important regional and international role played by the country. He also mentioned that the Philippines is Brazil's oldest partner in Southeast Asia, establishing diplomatic relations in 1946. He further remarked that Brazil recognizes the Philippine support for the rapprochement of Brazil with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional bloc of which the Philippines is a founding member and enjoys a central position in its political and economic architecture.
Guests were regaled with performances of native Filipino dances and a demonstration of Philippine martial art form of Arnis. To highlight further Philippine culture, native Filipino dishes were served for all to enjoy.
