Press Release No. 082-03
13 March 2003
RP,
IOM SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT
A Cooperation Agreement between the Philippine Government and the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) was signed today, Thursday,
13 March 2003, by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople and IOM Regional
Representative and Director for Administration in Manila, Mr. Bruce Reed.
The Agreement builds on the existing Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of the Philippines and the InterGovernmental Committee for
Migration on the Legal Status, the Privileges and Immunities of this Organization
in the Philippines signed in 1991. It will pave the way for the expansion
of the IOM office in Manila and for the transfer of some of IOM’s operations
from Geneva to the Philippines. IOM-Manila will serve as an information
technology and administrative support center for the Organization’s
activities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the IOM welcome the signing as a
positive step towards enhancing their cooperation on migration-related issues.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is particularly elated over this development
as it would facilitate collaboration with the IOM on initiatives geared
towards promoting the welfare of Filipino migrants, especially the plight
of Filipino workers in the Middle East in light of fears over a possible
war against Iraq.