PBS-RTVM

 

 

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo embarks on her first state visit to Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic from 3-5 May 2009 to reaffirm the Philippines' commitment in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.  The President's visit comes at an opportune time with the formal opening of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus headed by Vice President Noli De Castro last April 13, and the official visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo on February of this year.

President Arroyo is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and witness the possible signing of agreements.  She is also scheduled to visit Tartous Container Terminal, the second largest container port in Syria which is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI).  Headquartered in the Philippines, ICTSI is a leading developer in international container terminal operations in six continents.

The President's state visit marks a special significance as the Philippines and Syria are celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.  The Syrian Arab Republic has strongly supported the Philippines' bid for observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the OIC Peace Committee in the Southern Philippines and RP-Syria Bilateral Consultations.

The Syrian government was also instrumental for the safe repatriation of around  ten thousand Filipino expatriates from Lebanon during the Hezbollah-Israel war in July 2006.(NFB/RJU)