PHL AMBASSADOR WELCOMES SENATOR PAOLO BENIGNO “BAM” AQUINO IV AND SPOUSE AT “ANG BAHAY”, WELLINGTON 18 July 2014 - Upon the invitation of the New Zealand Government, Philippine Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and Mrs. Mary Fatima “Timi” Gomez-Aquino visited New Zealand from June 30 to July 5. Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez hosted a welcome dinner for them at “Ang Bahay” (Philippine Ambassador’s residence) on June 30 during which she thanked New Zealand for inviting the youngest Senator of the 16th Congress of the Philippines who is also a multi-awarded youth leader and recognized social entrepreneur. “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet a much admired public servant who came in the top 10 senatorial elections last year bringing with him sterling credentials, extensive experience in helping the development and empowerment of the youth and SMEs, well known family lineage, years of dedicated service marked by honesty and integrity following the footsteps of political icons in his family, the giants on whose shoulders he stands on – his uncle, Senator Ninoy Aquino, his aunt, former President Corazon Aquino and now his cousin, President Benigno S. Aquino III,” Ambassador Benavidez stated. The comprehensive and substantive programme that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has prepared for Senator Bam and Mrs. Timi Aquino focused on visits to and meetings in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland with members of Parliament, Ministers and government officials, private sector heads and representatives, presentations with the business councils and employers and manufacturers association, interaction with companies and business people especially those engaged with the Philippines, gathering with the Filipino community and experiences in iconic sites and places in New Zealand, among others. It was an evening of lively, enjoyable and meaningful dinner fellowship as Senator Bam and Mrs. Timi Aquino met and interacted with Hon. Jonathan Young, Chair of the Commerce Select Committee, Chair of Economic Development Caucus Committee and National Member of Parliament for New Plymouth, Mrs. Maura Young, Hon. Melissa Lee, Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs, Chairperson, Social Services Committee and National Member of Parliament, Ms. Stephanie Lee, Special Adviser, Acting ASEAN and ARF Senior Official, Asia Pacific Regional Integration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Stephen Harris, Divisional Manager, South and South East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Stefan Corbett, Lead Adviser, South and South East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Greg Andrews, Manager, FTA Implementation Unit, Trade Negotiations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms. Kate Swan, Policy Officer, South and South East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. John McKinnon, QSO, Executive Director, Asia New Zealand Foundation, Mr. Ralph Green, Chairman, GFG Group Limited, Mr. Graham Alston, Chief Operating Officer, Fronde Systems Group Ltd., Ms. Agnes Espineda, President, Zonta Club of Wellington, Director, New Zealand Philippines Business Council and Managing Director, Tactics Ltd., Mr. Albert Tuason, Maestro Gelatiere/Sorbetiere, Zelati Limited, Mr. Rey Cabauatan, Director, New Zealand Philippines Business Council and Owner/Operator, Pinoy Central (RLC Ventures), Mr. Norman Zafra, Filipino Scholar, Massey University, Mr. Terrence Ibasco, Power Systems Engineer, BECA Ltd. and Filipino Youth Representative and Mr. Richard Brader and Mrs. France Brader, Ebenezer Emergency Fund-NZ and National Prayer Coordinators and Wellington Representatives. Senator Bam and Mrs. Timi Aquino thanked Ambassador Benavidez and all the guests for the warm hospitality and gracious welcome extended to them and stated that they are looking forward to a fruitful and rewarding visit that would highlight the Philippines-New Zealand relations as close friends and valuable partners. Ambassador Benavidez reiterated her deep appreciation to Senator Bam and Mrs. Timi Aquino and to all the guests whose presence reflected the dynamism that drives the people based relationship between the Philippines and New Zealand. END
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 02:29:07 +0000
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