His Excellency Carlos Vasquez, the Peruvian ambassador to Singapore, announced the end of his term as ambassador at Peru’s Independence Day celebration last Thursday.
His Excellency Carlos Vasquez said that he will be moving on from his Singaporean post in October.
He said this at a celebration of Peru’s 202nd year of independence, held by the Peruvian embassy in Singapore. The event was held at the Straits ballroom of Sentosa Sofitel, Singapore.
The Peruvian head of mission gave his congratulations to the Peruvian community in Singapore and thanked his embassy’s team for their support during the past years.
Attendees
The attendees included numerous heads of foreign diplomatic missions and other diplomats as well as distinguished members of the Singaporean national government, business and cultural sectors.
Entertainment
The guests were entertained by two cultural acts. The first was a musical performance of the classic “El Condor Pasa”, played on the violin. The next was a folklore dance. The two acts were performed by two sisters who are members of the Peruvian community in Singapore. Through these performances one could identify the local indigenous, Spanish and even African influences over the South American country’s customs and traditions.
Likewise, the cocktails and food served carried with them Peru’s rich cultural diversity. There was even a Chinese element in the dishes served.
His Excellency Carlos Vasquez says goodbye
His Excellency Carlos Vasquez, who is the ambassador of Peru in Singapore, addressed the evening’s guests after the cultural showcase.
Ambassador Vasquez mentioned that the three pillars which contribute to the excellent bilateral relations between Peru and Singapore are friendship, business and mutual understanding.
His Excellency also highlighted the extraordinary efforts which both governments have gone to in order to secure their successful relationship through the years.
This included bilateral efforts as well as multilateral initiatives, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, of which both nations are members.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is an inter-governmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Guest of honour
The guest of honour, on behalf of the Singaporean government, was HE Alvin Tan. Tan is both the Minister of State for Trade and Industry as well as Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth.
Minister Tan spoke with the audience about the collaborative relationship between himself and Ambassador Vasquez, whom the minister considers a good friend.
Minister Tan acknowledged the common denominator of cultural diversity between both nations and about the practice of sustainability through all business transactions.
The state minister mentioned the important role that will be played by Peru and Singapore within the Pacific Alliance.
As part of the minister’s closing remarks was the fact that Singapore is a gateway and springboard of Peruvian goods and services into other Asian markets.
Cooperation
Minister Tan made it clear that the strong bond between Singapore and Peru is proof of Singapore’s serious commitment to engage with the South American region.
Meanwhile, the whole event was telling of how, although the distance between the two regions has remained the same, members of their two communities have grown closer over the years.
