Philippine Swedish Society

Opening remarks of President Edgardo J. Angara
during the Special Luncheon of the Philippine Swedish Society
on 18 November 1986
at the Coconut Palace

In behalf of the Philippine-Swedish Society, I extend a warm welcome to Her Excellency President Corazon C. Aquino and the members of Her Cabinet and say Mabuhay to Minister Anita Gradin and her Swedish delegation.

I wish to thank ASTRA Pharmaceuticals Philippines, and its president, Mr. Garcia for organizing this luncheon meeting of the Society.

Swedish industry has been doing business in the Philippines for quite sometime, while the Philippine-Swedish Society is of more recent origin. The Society was organized by Filipinos and Swedes, inspired by two dynamic lady ambassadors - Ambassador Cecilia Nettelbrandt and former Ambassador Consuelo Arranz. Though late in coming, the Society seeks to promote people to people exchange. Beyond the commercial ties, the Filipino members want to learn more about Sweden and her people and the Swedish Community in the Philippines hopes to know more about the Philippines and her people.

We shall try to study each other's culture, education, science and technology. We believe the separation between our two countries by the accident of geography, race and history has now become - in an age of rapid transport and communication - only an artificial barrier. We remain proud of our respective national identities but we shall strive to find those common values and institutions which can serve as the foundation of an enduring relationship.

Who knows that even the business-minded among us will soon discover that people-to-people contact will add not only to personal enrichment but to business profit as well.

On that note, allow me to open this special luncheon program.