As I wrote already in one of my previous columns: the European Parliament is elected five years by member states' citizens - in 2014 this coming Sunday, May 25.
I agree with EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux saying that the significant increase in the number of European politicial leaders to the Philippines confirms the increasing interest of the European Union in the country. It was interesting to listen Ledoux's speech during the Europe Day reception. Yes, indeed the flow of bilateral visit of ministers from European member states as well as Philippine Cabinet members visiting European countries has been steady.
The increase in the number of visits is no accident, as word of high economic groth and good governance in the Philippines has reached Europe.
Already last June, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met European Council Prsident van Rompuy in Brussels. And yes, that's the right path to take: the Philippines decided to resolve maritime issues peacefully and within the framework of international law.
And let's keep in mind: the lifting of the air ban for major Philippine air carriers is indeed one of the major achievements in European-Philippines relations.
Tourists in the Philippines is not always a great topic comparing to other Asian countries and their visitors' numbers. Good to know, that the Philippines has recently be named as one of the top 20 destinations for 2014 by an European newspaper. Anyway, European hospitability companies should invest more in the Philippine tourism industry by creating jobs and sharing their experience.
As expatriate living in this wonderful country since 1999, I can only underline Ledoux's statement saying Filipinos are known worldwide for their amazing hospitability because when they have visitors they do make feel them at home. The same thing told me Deputy Head of Mission (Germany Embassy), Mr. Michael Hasper during my last Manila visit.
(Pre-published in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR from Monday, May 19, 2014 in my column "IN MY OPINION".)
