Ireland’s Minister of State comes to PH
Ireland’s Minister of State John Cummins marked his first overseas visit with a warm celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Manila hosted by the Ambassador of Ireland to the Philippines Emma Hickey. The distinguished guests included Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs Hellen De La Vega and the Dean of the Diplomatic Community, His Excellency Charles J. Brown. Ambassador Hickey emphasized the shared values and cultural bonds between the two island nations. He acknowledged the contributions of the 3,000-strong Filipino community in Ireland, praising their role in Irish society, as well as the Irish citizens investing and working in the Philippines.
The event highlighted how the relationship between Ireland and the Philippines has strengthened, with one significant step being the reopening of the Philippine Embassy in Dublin.
Cultural connections
The European Union-Philippine Free Trade Agreement was recognized for its potential to expand economic opportunities in the coming years. A shared commitment to a rules-based international order was also a key focus, with both nations aligning on global challenges, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Cultural connections were celebrated, particularly through music, with Irish acts such as The Script, The Corrs, and Ronan Keating receiving an enthusiastic response from Filipino audiences.
The evening’s festivities were enriched with traditional Irish music, highlighting the cultural ties that bring the two nations even closer. The Ambassador extended gratitude to the event’s sponsors, including Irish-owned and managed companies, and encouraged guests to enjoy Irish delicacies such as Gallagher oysters and Jameson whiskey.
The celebration underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthening their political, economic, and cultural partnerships for years to come.
