Caption: Philippine Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel Fernandez III (extreme right) joins ASEAN ambassadors at a luncheon hosted by Canada's Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister Donald Bobiash (5th from left). (Photo credit: Indonesian Embassy)

Ottawa, 2 March 2017 - Global Affairs Canada's Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia, Hon. Donald Bobiash, hosted a luncheon for the heads/acting head of ASEAN diplomatic missions in Ottawa last 1 March 2017 where he affirmed the importance attached by Canada to its relations with ASEAN. The Philippine Embassy was represented by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Francisco Noel Fernandez III.

ASEAN and Canada are commemorating the 40th anniversary of its relationship this year, with activities being organized by both sides to mark this significant milestone.

Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister Bobiash was joined at the luncheon by GAC Director General Ian Burchett and Executive Director Rosaline Kwan who recently attended the 3rd Philippines-Canada Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) held in Manila from 16 to 17 February 2017.