RP Embassy in Nairobi Celebrates 112th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and 35 Years of Philippines-Kenya Diplomatic Relations

Thursday, 08 July 2010 13:38 Public Information Services Unit
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Forex

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8 July 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi celebrated the 112th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Philippines and Kenya, in a simple ceremony held at the Hotel Intercontinental, Nairobi.

The Guest of Honor during the event was Kenyan Minister for Tourism Najib Balala.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Filipino community in Kenya, and other high officials from the Kenyan Government attended the event.

"In the Philippines and elsewhere, Filipinos never fail to celebrate the birth of the Filipino nation because we are a grateful people who feel it as a fitting tribute to honor those who laid the foundation of a free and democratic country.  We are proud of this democratic legacy and we continue to uphold these democratic ideals as manifested by the recently concluded, very successful, first ever, credible automated elections.  We have elected a new president, and united as a people, we will rally behind our new set of leaders and confront head on the current challenges we face as a nation," Philippine Ambassador Domingo D. Lucenario, Jr. said in his speech.

The Philippines and Kenya recently signed a historic agreement that will further strengthen the bilateral consultative mechanism between the two countries.

The two countries also hope to sign a trade agreement that will intensify economic interaction between them.

After his speech, Ambassador Lucenario led a toast to the health of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and the Kenyan people.

For his part, Minister Balala congratulated the Philippines and the Filipino people on the occasion of the 112th anniversary of its independence.

He noted with fondness that Kenya's relationship with the Philippines "is one of the closest relationship among Asian countries."

"Kenya cherishes this relationship" and looks to further strengthen the ties of friendship with the Philippines by means of cultural exchanges, pursuance to trade and other economic opportunities in the Philippines and other activities that will benefit both countries," Minister Balala added.

He also offered a toast to the good health of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Filipino people.  END

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