PH Consul General Mananquil Calls on Ambassador Ayşe Usluer of the Representation Office of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs In Istanbul
Philippine Consul General to Istanbul Shirlene C. Mananquil (left) calls on Ambassador Ayşe Sözen Usluer (right) of the Representation Office of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Istanbul on 15 March 2023 (Istanbul PCG Photo).
16 March 2023 - (L-R) Philippine Consul General to Istanbul Shirlene C. Mananquil paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Ayşe Sözen Usluer of the Representation Office of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Istanbul today to introduce herself and provide an overview of the Filipino community in Istanbul and neighboring provinces. Consul General Manaquil also expressed her condolences to Ambassador Usluer for the devastating impact of the February 2023 earthquakes that affected eleven provinces in southeastern Türkiye. Ambassador Usluer expressed the Turkish Government's gratitude for the assistance rendered by various countries, including the Philippines. She highlighted the Government’s pledge to rebuild the affected areas, especially the antik ones, such as Kahramanmaras, Antep and Hatay (Antakya). Consul General Mananquil underscored the importance of rebuilding but making sure to preserve the cities’ historical texture.
Given the possible damage that an earthquake can cause in Istanbul, Ambassador Usluer advised on the local municipal authorities’ role in ensuring that structures and rented offices or dwellings should be periodically monitored against the threat of earthquakes. The Representation Office had a program for Consulates General on how to deal with disasters before the pandemic and encouraged the Philippine Consulate General to help inform members of its community to enhance their disaster preparedness.
Both sides also discussed the importance of enhancing bilateral ties through tourism and investment with Consul General Mananquil highlighting Istanbul’s strategic importance as a commercial and economic hub. She added the Philippines’ keen interest given the presence of direct flights between Istanbul and Manila as well as the budding entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos in Istanbul, citing the presence of three Filipino-owned restaurants in the Levent area.
The meeting ended with an affirmation from both sides to support each other’s activities to further enhance and strengthen Philippine-Türkiye relations. Consul General Mananquil was joined by Consul Lorena Joy Banagodos and Vice Consul Maika Ros Fontelera during the visit.
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