Music Room, Malacañan Palace
5 August 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley in Malacañang.

Ambassador Thornely was recognized for his invaluable contributions to the bilateral partnership between the Philippines and Canada in a citation read by Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

Also in the citation is the promotion he made to deepen the relations of both countries through close people-to-people ties, security cooperation, trade and investments.

Ambassador Thornley was involved in establishing the Philippines-Canada Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and the conduct of the Inaugural JCBC meeting on February 5, 2013. He has also secured Canada’s generous contribution to the country’s counter-terrorism efforts and facilitated immediate relief assistance for the flood victims of Typhoons Sendong and Pablo.

He played a role in organizing the visit to the Philippines of Prime Minister Stephen Harper in November 2012, which is the highest level visit of a Canadian official in the last 15 years, and the visit of Canada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs John Baird in July 2012.

The signing of the DND-Canadian Commercial Corporation Memorandum of Understanding on Government-to-Government Transactions in Defense and Military Related Equipment Materials, Systems and/or Services on November 10, 2012 was also facilitated by Ambassador Thornely.

Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs Jose Brillantes, DFA Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Carlos Sorreta and Canadian Senior Trade Commissioner Karra-Lee Gerrits witnessed the conferment.

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