Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West hosted a dinner to initiate the launching of the Jordan-Philippines Friendship Society at the Ambassador’s residence in Amman on 19 July 2016.

The event was attended by the core group of the Jordan-Philippines Friendship Society who are mostly alumni of Philippine universities. In the late 1980’s, around 8000 Jordanians studied in Philippine universities and many of them are now well-established professionals in their chosen fields. Also present were Ambassador Luay Khashman, former Jordanian Ambassador to Indonesia and the President of the Jordan-Indonesia Friendship Association, Mr. Omar Armouty, Jordanian journalist and historian, Ms. Manal Shammout, member of the Jordan-Indonesia Friendship Association and Mr. Mohammad Shammi, representative of the Jordan-Thailand Friendship Association. They shared their experiences in the establishment of friendship associations and the activities of their respective groups. Ambassador Khashman noted the importance of close collaboration between the friendship group and the embassy and the important role of the group in strengthening ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, the group also brainstormed on its priorities once it is officially established and promised to help the Philippine Embassy in boosting bilateral relations between the Philippines and Jordan. Mr. Omar Armouty also distributed copies of his book entitled “Ambassadors of the World Speak from Amman”. The book presented the Philippines, and 13 other countries, to Arab readers. It contains general information about the Philippines, its tourist spots and the Embassy’s activities and events in Jordan.