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DEPARTMENT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
|
TOAST REMARKS OF
HON.
EDSEL T. CUSTODIO
UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
IN
REPRESENTATION OF
HON. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ON
THE OCCASION
OF THE
217TH ANNIVERSARY OF BASTILLE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE
HARBOR
GARDEN TENT, PHILIPPINE PLAZA HOTEL
14 JULY 2006
His Excellency Ambassador Gerard Chesnel,
Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H.E. Archbishop
Fernando Filoni,
Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On
behalf of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Alberto G. Romulo, I wish to extend my most sincere congratulations to His
Excellency Gerard Chesnel, and through him, to their Excellencies President
Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin on the occasion of the
217th Anniversary of France's Bastille Day.
Today,
we join the French people in celebrating this auspicious event in France's
history that led other freedom loving states to embrace the same ideals of
liberty, equality and fraternity.
The
stirring words of Liberté, Egalité and Fraternité of the French Revolution
ignited in our own Philippine heroes the spirit of patriotism that led them to
actively fight for the cause of freedom.
Just as these ideals were espoused during the Philippine Revolution of
1896, they continue to vibrate with equal resonance in this current age of
globalization and modernization.
France
has consistently extended its full support for Philippine democracy and
government. In fact, it was one of the first countries to recognize the
Philippines after the Philippine People Power Revolution in 1986.
Our
shared democratic ideals continue to form the basis of our friendly cooperation,
particularly in our economic and cultural ties.
The
dynamism of our cordial relations has been sustained and strengthened through
exchanges of high level visits, robust bilateral trade, substantive investments,
and France's hosting of over 44,000 Filipino nationals.
The
annual French Spring Festivals and the significant work of the Alliance
Francaise in Manila also greatly contribute to the mutual appreciation of our
cultures.
I
would also like to take this opportunity to express my Government's appreciation
for the support that France consistently extends to the Philippines at the
bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
As
we commemorate Bastille Day, the Philippines also reaffirms its unwavering
commitment to further enhance the bilateral relations and friendship with France
and its people.
I
look forward to a closer relationship as we chart the future of our bilateral
relations and explore other avenues and new areas to further enhance the active
and vibrant partnership between our two nations.
On
this note, may I invite everyone to join me in a toast
to the continued good health and success of their Excellencies President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, and
to
the greater progress and prosperity of the Philippines and France and the
enduring friendship and cooperation between our peoples.
Mabuhay
ang Pilipinas!
Vive
La France!
END
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