SFA-AGR-278-08

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MEXICAN-PHILIPPINE FRIENDSHIP GROUP

23 April 2008 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Antonio M. Lagdameo reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs the establishment of the Mexican-Philippine Friendship Group at the Federal Chamber of Deputies, Legislative Palace of San Lazaro in Mexico City on 03 April 2008.  The event was witnessed by Speaker of the House Ruth Zavaleta Salgado and Foreign Relations Committee Representative Gerardo Buganza Salmeron.

The Mexican Speaker of the House underscored the common history between the Philippines and Mexico while the President of the Foreign Relations Committee stressed that the success of the Committee would depend on the participation of the members and the establishment of a focused agenda.  Among some of the areas where he said relations between the two countries could be strengthened would be exchange of students and cooperation in science and technology.  He enjoined the group to fast track projects before the conclusion of the congress.

Meanwhile, the President of the Mexican-Philippine Friendship Group stressed that the establishment of this group would enhance the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Mexico.  Ambassador Lagdameo remarked on the important role that people-to-people diplomacy plays in strengthening relations between countries. END

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