30 January 2013 – The Philippines and Turkey held their 2nd Political Consultations in Manila on January 29.
The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Elizabeth P. Buensuceso led the Philippine delegation while Honorable H. Hayret Yalav, Director General for Bilateral Political Affairs of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed the Turkish delegation.
The two countries finalized negotiations on agriculture and air services. Both agreements are now ready for signature. The political consultations also decided to continue negotiations on trade and investments, defense, tourism, culture, education and consular matters, among others.
Both officials exchanged views on the regional and international issues of mutual interest, such as the West Philippine Sea, ASEAN, European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“Turkey is a traditional partner of the Philippines. It has supported the Philippines in its candidatures in international bodies, in disaster management and in the Philippines’ quest for a durable and lasting peace in Mindanao,” Assistant Secretary Buensuceso said.
The Turkish delegation was accompanied by a Business Mission led by Philippine Honorary Consul in Istanbul Ersin Karaoglan. Various sectors representing construction services and development, building components, automotive, electrical, products and home appliances, logistics and shipping, textile and garments, industrial flour mills and food products of the Turkish business sector met with their counterparts from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chaired by Atty. Miguel B. Varela.
A special feature of the political consultations was the meeting between the Turkish delegation and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles. Secretary Deles gave a briefing on the updates of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Turkey is a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference – Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP).
Assistant Secretary Buensuceso expressed her appreciation to the Turkish delegation for Turkish support to the Mindanao peace process.
Turkey is considered a significant regional player in Europe and has made important diplomatic initiatives in regional organizations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as well as efforts on humanitarian assistance in the Middle East, particularly in addressing the needs and welfare of Syrian refugees. END
