The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait held its diplomatic reception in celebration of its 121st Independence Day on 20 June at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Kuwaiti Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Ali Sulaiman Al-Saeed and Dean of Diplomatic Corps and the Ambassador of Senegal to Kuwait H.E. Abdou Lahad Mbacké were the special guests at the function, who were joined by the members of the diplomatic community and other well-wishers.
In his brief speech, Philippine Charges D’ Affaires (CDA) Mohmmad Nordin Lomondot said that the 121st Philippine Independence Day also fell on the occasion of the 40th year Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Kuwait.
“Since the start of the diplomatic relations both countries have worked towards harmonious bilateral relations that are friendly and reciprocal,” noted CDA Lomondot. He added that his country’s trade with Kuwait increased substantially from US$1 billion dollars in 2016 to US$14 billion dollars in 2018 and more so with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2019 protecting the rights and welfare of the Philippine household service workers in Kuwait. CDA Lomondot also expressed his gratitude to the Kuwait government for providing for its 222,000 Filipino workers, who have come to regard Kuwait as their second home. “Kuwait and Philippine relations has always been based on trust, confidence and mutual relations,” ended CDA Lomondot. Members of the diplomatic community applauded CDA Lomondot for his concise and meaningful speech.
The ceremonial cutting of the cake was officiated by CDA Lomondot, Ambassador Al Saeed and Ambassador Mbacké and joined by the rest of the ambassadors and CDAs from the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) including Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam. A short program was conducted with vocal performances by Christine Torres, Jummel Carvajal and guitar rendition by Peter Daniel Carvajal. The occasion culminated with a buffet of traditional and favorites dishes from Filipino cuisine.
Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer