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Pinoy Abroad

Rizal's 150th birthday a highlight of PHL-Germany ties


The 150th birth anniversary of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19 is one of the highlights of Philippine-German relations for 2011, a German envoy said. Ambassador Dr. Henrich Kreft said this at the vin d'honneur marking Philippine Independence Day last June 9, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday. The Philippine Embassy in Berlin hosted a vin d'honneur for the Diplomatic Corps and representatives from German ministries and business on June 9. The event was held at the Haus der Commerzbank, located just a few steps away from the Brandenburg Gate, Germany's historic symbol of freedom and unity. "(Kreft) highlighted two events in German-Filipino relations in 2011: the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal and the 50th anniversary of the Goethe Institut in Manila," the DFA said. Kreft stressed that bilateral relations are based on deeply shared values of democracy, freedom and human rights. He said the Philippines is thus an important partner for Germany in promoting these values in the region and beyond. Kreft is the Special Representative for Dialogue among Civilizations of Germany's Federal Foreign Office (FFO). Charge d'Affaires Leah Ruiz highlighted significant developments in bilateral relations in her speech. She noted Rizal's enduring legacy continues to underpin people-to-people links and cultural cooperation. Ruiz also underscored this year's Independence Day celebration is the first to be led by President Benigno Aquino III. FFO Director General for Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Dr. Cyril Nunn, as well as Max Maldacer, representing the Office of FFO Minister for State Cornelia Pieper, also attended the vin d'honneur. Berlin-based pianist Abelardo Galang II serenaded the guests with his rendition of traditional Filipino musical pieces. Galang is a summa cum laude graduate of the Technisches Universität in Berlin and has already recorded three CDs of piano musical collections in Germany. - VVP, GMA News

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