First female ambassador to Lebanon pays courtesy call on Lebanese president

The Philippines' first female ambassador to Lebanon recently presented her credentials to Lebanon President Michel Sleiman at the Baabda Presidential Palace.   Philippine Ambassador Leah Ruiz presented on December 2 her letter of credence to Sleiman and relayed to him the best wishes of President Benigno Aquino III.   "As the Philippines' first female Ambassador to Lebanon, she assured the President of her commitment to further strengthen and deepen the political, economic and cultural aspect of the relationship and enhance mutual understanding and appreciation between the Filipino and Lebanese peoples," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.   She said one of her priorities was to promote the interests and welfare of some 50,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the country. Warm friendship   In a meeting that after the presentation of credentials,  Sleiman highlighted the warm friendship and beneficial relations between the Philippines and Lebanon.   He also cited the excellent prospects for cooperation between the Philippines and Lebanon relations.   "President Sleiman assured Ambassador Ruiz of the support and cooperation of the Government of Lebanon in the pursuit of her mission," the DFA said. - VVP, GMA News