In remarks during his farewell luncheon for outgoing Iranian envoy, H.E. Ambassador Gholamreza Yousefi, Foreign Secretary Blas F. Ople conveyed his best wishes to Ambassador Yousefi for his successful mission as Iran’s Ambassador to the Philippines.

Secretary Ople also congratulated Ambassador Yousefi for being awarded the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Secretary Ople also expressed his appreciation for the support given by the Iranian Government for the Philippine bid for Observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).  The Secretary expressed particular appreciation for the personal efforts of Ambassador Yousefi, which resulted on the historic, first-time attendance of a Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers which was held in Iran last May.

Secretary Ople assured Ambassador Yousefi of Philippine support for Iran’s efforts in the United Nations to promote the concept of the dialogue among civilizations.  Secretary Ople said that the Philippines is very pleased to host the first RP-Iran Bilateral Conference on Dialogue Among Civilizations in Manila next week (please see separate DFA Press Release).

In his remarks, the Secretary said that the warm and cordial ties between the Philippines and Iran will continue to grow, citing the most recent cooperative agreement wherein Iran would use Philippine oil storage facilities on a commercial basis.  This arrangement would not only be a good business venture but would also improve the Philippines’ access to oil in cases of emergency.

In his reply to the Secretary, Ambassador Yousefi said that he feels sad that he is leaving but that he will be bringing many warm memories of the Philippines.  Ambasador Yousefi, who will be returning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iran, pledged to continue to work for the further strengthening of RP-Iran relations.

Present at the farewell luncheon hosted by Secretary Ople were some members of the diplomatic corps, Philippine officials including some cabinet officials, and members of the Philippine private sector. END.