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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palestine's foreign minister in Manila for official visit

Palestine's foreign minister in Manila for official visit

Published Nov 17, 2025 06:37 pm
Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin (Photo from the State of Palestine Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates)
Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin (Photo from the State of Palestine Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates)
Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin is currently in Manila, arriving last Nov. 16 and is expected to stay until Nov. 21, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.
In a statement, the DFA said that during the visit, the Palestinian foreign minister will “undertake a series of official engagements.”
Shahin will meet with her counterpart, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
During the meeting, “both sides are expected to discuss regional and international issues, and practical ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest.”
“Foreign Minister Shahin is the highest official of the Palestinian Authority to visit the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 36 years ago, on 04 September 1989,” the DFA added.
The Palestinian official also conducted a lecture entitled “The Palestinian Predicament: Latest Developments in Gaza and the West Bank” at the Foreign Service Institute on Nov. 17.
In the statement, the Philippines maintained its support for the “two-state solution”, saying that it is the only viable path towards “a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace” in the Middle East region.
Shahin hold a doctorate degree in administrative and policy studies education from the University of Pittsburgh and a masters in science from Indiana University/Purdue University.
Her interests are in women’s and human rights, and she has been an active member of the boards of several civil society organizations and universities.

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DFA Ma. Theresa Lazaro Palestine Varsen Aghabekian Shahin
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