On July 29, a celebration of unity, and reflection marked the second anniversary of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt, as dignitaries and friends gathered to commemorate the historic Egyptian Revolution of 1952. The event was graced by Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt Ahmed Shehabeldin Ibrahim and Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, representing the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, whose speeches underscored the enduring friendship and growing partnership between the two nations.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, setting the tone for a celebration that honored the profound political, economic, and societal changes sparked by the Egyptian Revolution. De Vega's speech highlighted the significance of this revolution not just for Egypt, but for the entire Middle East and Africa, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration against foreign colonialism. The celebration of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the potential for positive change when nations come together in friendship and cooperation.
Over the years, the Philippines and Egypt have fostered a relationship built on mutual respect, friendship, and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity. De Vega lauded the steady growth of the Philippine-Egypt partnership, which spans various fields including agriculture, trade and investment, judicial cooperation, energy justice, and cultural exchanges.
"Our collaboration forages into various fields, such as agriculture, trade and investment, judicial cooperation, and the energy justice here," De Vega noted, reflecting on the diverse areas of cooperation that have strengthened the bond between the two nations.
To highlight the evening's significance, Ambassador Ahmed Shehabeldin Ibrahim shared a heartfelt reflection on his personal and professional experiences, underscoring the warmth and hospitality he encountered in the Philippines. "I lived, I visited, and I worked in many places around the world, but still there is a special positivity and hospitality, it's all coming from the world," Ambassador Ibrahim stated, emphasizing the unique bond he shares with the people he has met along his journey.
The ambassador's speech resonated deeply with the audience as he recounted the true friendships and genuine connections he has formed, particularly in the Middle East. "And I met people in the Middle East who made me truly believe that there is true friendship, and a friendly deal is a friendly deal," he said, underscoring the value of integrity and trust in fostering strong international relations.
Reflecting on his time in the Philippines, the ambassador expressed his admiration for the local community and its leaders. "Because now I'm talking about a precious friend, a friend who gave me confidence, because she's doing something for her country, for her people. Loving, spirit, and doing everything with this passion, it's the same what I've tried to do," he shared, illustrating the mutual respect and shared aspirations between the two nations.
Recognized by the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of the Philippines for their contribution to enhancing the Philippine-Egypt diplomatic relations, select personalities were presented Certificates of Appreciation led by Ambassador Ahmed Shehabeldin together with the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega during the “My Egypt 2.0, From Cairo to Manila and Back with Love” national day celebration held at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. The awardees were Marivic Rufino, Jonathan Matti, Conrad Onglao, and Barbie Atienza.
As the celebration continued, guests were treated to a showcase of Egyptian culture, including traditional music and dance, symbolizing the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Egypt. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions about the future of Philippine-Egyptian relations.
