Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia hosted a luncheon today for heads of missions from the Asia-Pacific Group with newly appointed Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia, Hon. Donald Bobiash, as guest of honor.

 In leading the discussion during lunch. Ambassador Garcia obtained assurance from Assistant Deputy Minister Bobiash of Canada's commitment to strengthen its relations with Asia, notwithstanding Ottawa's focus on its relationship with the United States under President Donald J. Trump.

"We welcome the commitment of Canada to its relationship with Asia, especially at this time when the Philippines is chair of ASEAN," remarked Ambassador Garcia.

The Asia-Pacific Group is an association of heads of diplomatic missions from the Asia-Pacific region in which Ambassador Garcia is an active participant. Its series of monthly luncheon brings together senior government policy makers and leading academicians in a discussion with Asia-Pacific ambassadors concerning developments in Canada's external relations with the region. END