AMBASSADOR DEL ROSARIO BIDS FAREWELL

TO JORDAN'S FOREIGN MINISTER

24 January 2008 - Photo shows Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Jose P. Del Rosario, Jr. during his farewell call on Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Salaheddin Al Bashir on 22 January. 

Ambassador Del Rosario conveyed his appreciation for the Ministry's support and cooperation during his two-year stay in Jordan. He likewise requested the Ministry’s support for his successor, Ambassador Julius Torres, whom he described as a "very experienced and competent diplomat." 

Del Rosario said he hopes that more projects and agreements between Jordan and the Philippines will be realized during Ambassador Torres' stay in Jordan. 

He particularly cited his proposal to the Minister of Culture to rename Sheerah Al Khatib in Amman to "Manila Street", as most residents in the area are Filipinos. He added that the Manila City Mayor and Makati City Mayor have signified their willingness to rename a street in their respective city as "Amman Street", and establish sister-city relations with Amman. 

Minister Al Bashir said he would convey the Ambassador's message to former Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Al Khatib. He expressed the hope that "our paths may again cross" and graciously informed Ambassador Del Rosario that he (Del Rosario) is welcome to visit Jordan anytime. 

Foreign Minister Al Bashir only assumed his office in November 2007 after a government revamp following the 20 November 2007 parliamentary elections. Al Bashir earned his masteral law degree at Harvard Law School and graduated with a Ph.D. in Law at Mcgill University in Canada.  

He is the founder and former managing partner of the International Business Legal Associates. He previously served other Prime Ministers as Minister of Industry and Trade in 2001-2003 and Minister of Justice in 2003-2005. END

/wingret