State of Qatar celebrates National Day at Shangri-La BGC
The State of Qatar recently celebrated its National Day at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La, Bonifacio Global City with a reception attended by a large number of dignitaries and guests, including Philippine government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Philippine government was represented by Department of Foreign Affairs for Civil Security and Consular Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo as guest of honor.
The ceremony was graced by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and wife Pamela Louise Manalo, president of the International Bazaar Charitable Foundation, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Jesmundo, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III.
Joining them were Ambassador Charles Brown III, Apostolic Nuncio and dean of the diplomatic corps to the Republic of the Philippines, and a number of heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to the Philippines, in addition to correspondents of the Philippine media.
In his speech, State of Qatar Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Saad Al-Homidi welcomed guests, noting that this year’s celebration comes after the successful visit of His Highness Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, “may the Almighty Allah protect him,” to the Philippines, and his meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., last April, which had a great impact on strengthening the relationship and deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
In his speech, Undersecretary Domingo referred to the depth of the relationship between Qatar and the Philippines, which has extended for four decades, appreciating the unique renaissance achieved by the State of Qatar, which combined heritage and modernity, and stressing that through direct dialogue, the relationship can be developed in many fields, including economic, tourism, sports, and cooperation in combating the effects of climate change.
