The Philippines Embassy in Tokyo commemorated the 75 years of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Honduras in a ceremony and simple reception at its chancery on Friday, July 9.
In a Facebook post, the Philippine Embassy in Japan said the celebration was headed by Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robespierre Bolivar and Honduran Non-Resident Ambassador to the Philippines Alejandro Hector Palma Cerna.
The two diplomats exchanged tokens and performed a ceremonial elbow bump as part of measures against the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
For his part, Bolivar underscored the Philippines’ continued commitment to further cultivate relations with Honduras.
In a video message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. emphasized how the nexus of commonalities of the two countries can be translated into opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation, risk reduction, migration management, and sustainable development.
Honduran Foreign Minister Lisandro Rosales Banegas, in his video message, recognized the gains from the exchanges of peoples between the two countries.
Rosales particularly cited how Filipino scientists visited Honduras in the 80s to help the country in research and to improve their banana production.
The Philippines and Honduras formally established their diplomatic relations on July 5, 1946.
Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Demetrio Tuazon is accredited to Honduras as the Philippines’ Non-Resident Ambassador, while Ambassador Cerna is accredited to the Philippines as Honduras’ Non-Resident Ambassador, with residence in Tokyo.