08 June 2005 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo receives in his office at the Department of Foreign Affairs three direct descendants of the Sultan of Sulu Paduka Batara who went to Beijing, China to visit the Ming Dynasty Emperor Yong Le in the year 1417.The Sultan died on his way home, leaving behind two sons. Secretary Romulo expressed wonder and delight that 18 generations and almost six centuries after the historic visit, Sultan Paduka’s descendants are able to visit their ancestral land and said that this historic event underscores the strong and deeply rooted friendship between the Philippines and China.
This visit is part of the activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of RP-China diplomatic relations on 09 June 2005. Seen in the picture (L-R) are Mr. Wen Hai Jun, Mr. An Yan Chun, both 18th generation descendants, and Mr. An Jin Tian, 17th generation descendant and oldest surviving scion. Sitting beside Secretary Romulo is Ms. Teresita Ang-See, Executive Director of the Kaisa Heritage Center who also served as the interpreter for the visitors.
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