Two weeks ago, the Philippines brought to the world’s attention development issues at the United Nations World Leaders Summit.  President Arroyo focused on the Philippines’ concerns and corresponding initiatives on debt-for-development, the unabated rise in the prices of oil, the protection of migrant workers, the campaign against terrorism and the sustained efforts for interfaith dialogue.

        We will continue to pursue the President’s foreign policy agenda and address those key issues during my visits to UNESCO, WTO, UN  Compensation Commission and the Russian Federation.

UNESCO

        In Paris, I will address the 33rd Plenary Session of UNESCO and meet with UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura.  UNESCO is deeply involved in development projects around the world, particularly in the areas of education, science and culture.  If our initiative on debt-for-development swap succeeds, vast resources will be available which will enable UNESCO to pursue its development mandate.

        I will also pursue our interfaith dialogue initiatives in UNESCO.

        On the issue of education, I will also ask that UNESCO include migrant workers in its “education for all” flagship program.  Through learning centers that we have set up in our embassies and Filipino community centers around the world, we have discovered that education empowers our migrant workers, gives them better options, helps protect their welfare and security and prevents exploitation.

        While in Paris, I will meet with the Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Exposition, Mr. Vincent Loscertales.  In Aichi, we had shown that our products and services, as well as our marketing abilities, are world–class.  Our economy is also gaining in vigor and we must be prepared to bring our products and services to the worId.  I will discuss with Mr. Loscertales how best the Philippines can work with the BIE in introducing our products and services to the markets of the world.

WTO and UN Compensation Commission

        Geneva plays a critical role in developing the economic agenda of the United Nations.  I will meet with our officials there to ensure that our debt-for-equity initiatives are mainstreamed into the UN development agenda.  I will also discuss with them the importance of coordinating our trade liberalization efforts in Geneva with our debt relief initiatives.  We have to make sure that these efforts and initiatives are mutually supportive.

        I will also inaugurate the Mission of the Philippine Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization.  This Mission is seen to strengthen our negotiating position for fair global trading arrangements and to create more responsive development mechanisms in the multilateral trading system.

        While in Geneva, I will meet with officials of the UN Compensation Commission for updates relating to claims that have been filed by Filipinos, including Landoil’s claims which have been transferred to the Philippine government.

        The Philippines has been cited by the UN as a model country in the handling and awarding of Gulf War claims.  So far, a total of US$ 156,419,641.70 have been awarded to 61,532 Filipino claimants.  This year, 239 Filipino claimants have received US$ 659,506.17.  These are funds provided by the United Nations through the UN Compensation Commission.

Russian Federation

        Minister Sergey Lavrov has invited me to Russia to discuss concerns of mutual significance to our countries.  I will be with PNOC President Ed Mañalac.

        This is a follow-up to the visit of Speaker de Venecia and former Energy Secretary Vince Perez.

        In St. Petersburg, I will meet with local officials and open our honorary consulate.  St. Petersburg is increasing in importance as a commercial center in Russia and the inauguration of our honorary consulate will further open new opportunities for the Philippines in terms of trade, investments and tourism.
In Moscow, I will hold talks with Foreign Minister Lavrov.  These talks will focus on bilateral relations, particularly on bilateral cooperation on energy, fighting transnational crime, promoting tourism and activities to mark next year’s 30th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.

        We also intend to conclude a bilateral agreement on energy cooperation that would reinforce our country’s energy security.

        The Philippines needs to diversify its fuel sources and explore alternative strategies to address, over the long term, heavy reliance on our traditional sources of fuel and energy.   Cooperation with Russia is seen as a key initiative in advancing our country’s energy security agenda.

        Russia is fortifying its global distribution network for its oil, natural gas and coal.  It has adapted an outward-looking approach for prospective markets.  Thus, the Philippines can also position itself as an ideal regional hub for the delivery of Russian fuel and energy products to other Asia-Pacific countries.

        The Philippines is the nearest Southeast Asian country to the Russian Far East – that includes Sakhalin and Yakutsk in Siberia – where a substantial portion of Russian oil, natural gas and coal originate.

        We hope to generate Russia’s keen interest on this and other possible areas of bilateral energy cooperation.

        We will also discuss ASEAN-Russia relations and the possibility of Russia’s participation in the East Asia Summit/ East Asia Community.

        As always, I hope to keep the media updated on our activities and achievements.

Thank you.