Press Release No.021-03
16 January 2003
OPLE
PROPOSES BANDUNG II TO HIS IRANIAN COUNTERPART
Tehran - Foreign Secretary Blas F. Ople, who is in Tehran as head of
the Philippine delegation to the Third Philippines-Iran Joint Commission
Meeting, called today on Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi.
Ople proposed to his counterpart the convocation of a second Bandung Summit
on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary in 2005 of that historic meeting
of Third World leaders, including such stalwarts as Jawaralhal Nehru of India
and Marshall Tito of Yugoslavia.
"In a Second Bandung Summit," Ople said, "today's Third World leaders can
review together the directions of developing nations in the twenty-first
century and beyond."
"Together, they can improve their bargaining power vis-à-vis developed
nations," he added.
Kharazzi seemed pleased by the idea.
Ople thanked the Iranian government for supporting the Philippine bid for
observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
Kharazzi assured him of Iran's continued support of the Philippine bid.
Ople also expressed gratitude for Iran's support of the Philippine candidature
for a seat in the United Nations Security Council in 2004-2005.
Ople and Kharazzi updated each other on the political situation in their
countries. Ople informed his counterpart of the success of Philippine
efforts to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf Group. He also spoke of the progress
of peace negotiations with the MILF and the National Democratic Front.
He expressed appreciation for Iran's support of the Philippine peace initiatives.
To Kharazzi's inquiry regarding the Philippine vote on the United Nations
resolution on Iran's human rights record, Ople gave assurance of a review
of the Philippine position on the matter.
Kharazzi expressed appreciation of the Philippine readiness to host in May
the Dialogue of Civilizations and Cultures, with the co-sponsorship of the
Russian Federation.
Ople and Kharazzi exchanged information on the status of their countries'
economies.
Ople mentioned the proposed partnership between the Philippine National Oil
Company and the National Iranian Oil Company in an oil storage facility in
the Philippines.
In an early meeting with Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Mamdar Zanganeh, Ople
was assured of Iran's continuous oil supply to the Philippines.
Kharazzi floated the idea of a joint venture in the production of a Russian-designed
Tupolev aircraft ideal for domestic flights.
Minister Kharazzi inquired on the presence of American troops in the Philippines.
Ople told him that in 1991, the US gave up their bases in the Philippines.
He informed Kharazzi of the joint Philippine-US military training exercise
under a Visiting Forces Agreement.
Secretary Ople inquired on the diplomatic efforts of Iran related to the
threat of war against its neighbor Iraq. Kharazzi replied that Iran
was against the use of force and that it was doing its best to help avoid
war in the region. He said that Iran was urging Iraq to comply with
UN Security Council resolution 1441, in order to avert war.
Ople told Kharazzi that he looked forward to his counterpart's visit to Manila
in February. Kharrazi replied that he, too, looked forward eagerly
to this visit, for a continuing dialogue on the bilateral and international
concerns of both the Philippines and Iran.
Foreign Secretary Blas F. Ople also made a courtesy call on Speaker Mehdi
Karroubi of the Iranian Majlis (Parliament).
Ople observed during his calls on the highest-ranking officials of Iran their
profound appreciation of Philippine-Iran friendship and collaboration in
various fields.
END