Rizal activities may take place in September in Andorra

The new Philippine Ambassador to Andorra Carlos Salinas said activities marking the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal may be held in Andorra in September. Salinas has discussed the planned Rizal activities with Andorra la Vella Mayor Rosa Ferrer, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. "(Mayor) Ferrer expressed the city government´s full support for the activities and mentioned the possibility of holding them in September 2011," the DFA said. Salinas, together with Mrs. Isabelita Salinas, also met with Associació De Residents Filipins A Andorra (FILAND) President Bong Canlas and the members of his association. "Canlas pledged the full support of the Filipino community in Andorra for the said activities," the DFA said. Presentation of credentials On June 28, Salinas presented his credentials to the Spanish co-Prince of Andorra, Archbishop of Urgell Joan Enric Vives I Sicilia, in Spain. According to the DFA, under Andorra´s Constitution, the heads of state are the two co-Princes: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell of Spain. The head of government is the Executive Council President. As he presented his credentials at the Palacio Episcopal in La Seu d´Urgell in Spain, Salinas expressed hopes for stronger ties between the Philippines and Andorra. "During his meeting with Archbishop Vives, Ambassador Salinas conveyed his aspirations to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Andorra during his term of office," the DFA said. Meanwhile, Vives expressed a "keen desire" to work with Salinas towards achieving a stronger Philippines-Andorra partnership. Vives also informed Salinas of the presence of four Filipino seminarians in his seminary. During his visit, Salinas also met with key officials including Foreign Minister Gilbert Saboya Sunye. In his meeting with Saboya, Salinas expressed his appreciation for the kind treatment and excellent working conditions for some 1,000 Filipinos who live and work there. - VVP, GMA News