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S P E E C H |
SFA-AGR-PS073-06 14 June 2006
The
Hon. DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
14 June 2006
I leave today for a series of visits that advance President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s foreign policy of further deepening our engagement with long-time allies, widening cooperation with key partners and reinforcing our shared commitments with the community of nations.
In Washington, D.C., I will reaffirm the deep historic and cultural bonds between the Philippines and the United States.
The commemoration of the centenary of Filipino migration to the United States from June 14 to 18 is a testament to the indelible and enduring ties between our countries and peoples and to the tremendous success of our kababayans in their adopted home.
Founded on shared values of democracy, our robust alliance with the United States continues to move forward with a growing recognition and appreciation on both sides of the Pacific for the human dimensions of our relations.
Filipino-Americans constitute the second largest Asian-American immigrant group with ringing voices and an undeniable presence in mainstream American society today.
With their increasing participation and representation in various levels of American affairs and their sustained commitment and contributions to sustaining growth and development in the Philippines, Filipino-Americans are significant forces that will continue to energize RP-US relations well beyond this century.
In Baku, Azerbaijan, I will renew our partnership with the international Islamic Ummah with whom we hold common aspirations for the blessings of peace, prosperity and progress for humanity in all its diversity.
Upon the invitation of my esteemed colleague Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, I will attend the 33rd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers from June 18 to 19 as Guest of host Azerbaijan.
We value this opportunity to express to the Organization of the Islamic Conference our appreciation for their contributions to consolidating the gains of peacebuiilding in the Southern Philippines.
I shall reiterate the Philippines’ commitment to the full implementation of the historic 1996 peace accord with the MNLF, as well as apprise the OIC of the inroads in the peace agreement’s implementation.
It will also be an opportune time to inform the OIC of the positive and resolute pace of the on-going peace talks with the MILF and the achievements and future directions of our government’s peace and development efforts in Mindanao.
Indeed, as we look forward to the conclusion of a peace agreement with the MILF very soon, we reiterate in concrete terms to the OIC the Philippines’ keen and genuine desire to protect, promote and advance the interests of all Muslim Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation and regional cultural association.
This element is important to the Philippines’ national interests and in our quest for a deeper engagement with the OIC.
In Geneva, Switzerland, I will meet with my esteemed colleagues to re-emphasize the international community’s continuing commitment to ensure that human rights are observed, protected and promoted for all the world’s peoples.
Our participation in the Human Rights Council’s High Level Ministers Meeting from June 21 to 22 resonates with meaning and significance for our country and people.
The Council, established through UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251on 15 March 2006, replaces and carries on the work of the Commission on Human Rights, which will be formally abolished on 16 June 2006.
We are a nation and people that value human rights. The Philippines’ election to the Human Rights Council demonstrates the confidence of the world community in our unwavering adherence to democratic principles and processes and in our capabilities to advance human rights in the international fora.
I will also join the President during her official visits to the Holy See, Italy and Spain from 26-30 June.
The President will renew the Philippines’ special ties and continued support for the Pope, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic faithful throughout the world.
As the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, the Philippines is in a special position to advocate key issues, including the strengthening of the institution of the family, underscoring the sanctity of life, upholding human rights, and advancing interfaith dialogue.
With the conclusion of Italy’s elections last month, the President will be among one of the first leaders to be met by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. During their meeting, she will seek support for our debt-for-Millennium Development Goals initiative.
In Spain, the President will meet with King Juan Carlos I, and President Jose Luis Zapatero. She is expected to highlight our shared history and culture and revitalize our partnership in areas of common interest such as trade, investments, development cooperation, culture, and education.
The visit is timely as it coincides with the 4th Anniversary of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and the Philippines-Spain Cultural Year 2006. It is also expected to lay the groundwork for the 60th anniversary celebration of RP-Spain diplomatic relations next year.
As always, I will update our media partners on the developments of these trips.
Thank you for your continued support. END