Press Release
PR-091-2015
Emir of Riyadh Graces Philippine Embassy Celebration
of the 118th Anniversary of the Declaration of
Philippine Independence
(Riyadh, 25 May 2016) - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh hosted a Diplomatic Reception on the occasion of the 118th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence on 23 May 2016 at the Tuwaiq Palace, Diplomatic Quarter.
Guests from the various Diplomatic Missions accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attended the event along with officials from the different Saudi government offices and the Saudi business community.
The theme for this year’s celebration “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong” aims to further strengthen the unity of the Filipinos and to contribute for further advance the progress of the Philippines to continue its current stature in the global community.
The highlight of the celebration was the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Riyadh, who congratulated the Philippine Ambassador on the occasion of the Philippine National Day.
The Philippines and Saudi Arabia have strong political ties and likewise share common interests in international and multilateral organizations. They have been on the same side on many issues in the United Nations and other international fora. On many occasions, both countries have supported each other’s candidatures in various UN agencies and world bodies
Both countries have continuously worked to maintain its partnership for the benefit of the Filipino workers in the Kingdom and to further boost its economic ties. The investment outcome of Outbound Business Missions (OBM) conducted by the Philippines every year, has steadily increased over the years, reflecting the trust and positive outlook of the Saudi business on the Philippine market.
In tourism, the arrival of Saudi visitors to the Philippines have also been growing. In 2015, a total of 50,884 Saudi visitors came to visit the Philippines as compared to 27,945 Saudi visitors who came in 2011.
During the reception, Mr. Johnny Mabatan, Filipino painter based in Riyadh also had an exhibit of his works, in watercolor medium, which showed different Philippine settings and scenes. (End)
