16 April 2014 – On February 24, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz joined other Ambassadors and Charge d’Affairs of the different Embassies of Asia and Pacific countries which are represented in Lebanon in a courtesy call on the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants (MFAE), Gebran Bassil. The joint call was organized by the MFAE a few days after the Minister assumed his new post. Earlier, the Philippine Embassy requested for an appointment with the new Minister after the formation of the new government in Lebanon.

Minister Bassil opened the meeting by thanking the Ambassadors for their presence and informing them about the commitment of the new government under the leadership of the President of the Council of Ministers Tammam Salam to achieve its priority goals in the areas of security, election of a new President and economy.

Ambassador Ruiz conveyed to Minister Bassil the felicitations of the Philippines to Lebanon on the formation of the new government and also on his appointment as Minister. She reiterated the Philippine Embassy’s condolences on the deaths of civilians, soldiers and police as a result of car bombings, while noting that there are 30,000 Filipinos in Lebanon whose safety is a priority concern for the Embassy. Ambassador Ruiz highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Lebanon and assured the Minister of the Philippine Embassy’s cooperation and coordination towards deepening the friendly ties between the two countries. END