20 June 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to Beirut Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz made a farewell call last June 07 on the Speaker of Parliament of Lebanon, H.E. Nabih Berri, during which she briefed him on the latest developments in Philippines-Lebanon relations.
During her call, which took place at the Speaker’s official residence, Ambassador Ruiz conveyed her deep appreciation for the valuable support extended by the Lebanese Government for the various initiatives of the Philippine Embassy in promoting the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants in Lebanon and in intensifying the warm friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Ruiz highlighted the on-going efforts of the Philippine Embassy in registering Filipinos for overseas voting, particularly the successful conduct of overseas voting for 30 days from April 09 up to May 09 when the one-day National Elections took place in the Philippines.
She also cited the Lebanese Government’s full support and collaboration with regard to the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos from Syria via Beirut, which commenced in December 2012, and is still ongoing, though at fewer intervals.
Ambassador Ruiz informed the Speaker that the Embassy has successfully initiated collaborations with the Lebanese educational institutions and private sector to implement for the first time cultural and artistic activities and projects that aim to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation between Filipinos and Lebanese, such as a painting exhibition, film showings, piano quintet concert, food and Christmas festivals, and cultural shows and performances.
She also stressed that the year 2016 is a banner year for Philippines-Lebanon relations because both countries will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations on October 24.
Finally, she expressed the hope that both countries would be able to further increase political, economic, trade, tourism and cultural interaction and linkages, and continue to build bridges that will further strengthen the close friendship and collaboration between the Filipinos and Lebanese.
As a parting gift, Ambassador Ruiz presented the Speaker with a delicately handcrafted and hand-blown colored glass tableau mounted on a wooden base and enclosed in glass depicting a farmer harvesting bananas in his orchard. In return, Speaker Berri presented the Ambassador with Lebanon’s symbol, the Cedar Tree mounted on a plaque made of glass. END
