26 January 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today assured the diplomatic community that they can expect that the Philippines will continue to articulate its policies, actions and intentions in a clear and firm manner.  The Secretary made this assurance during the Foreign Policy Overview for the Diplomatic Corps which the Department of Foreign Affairs gave today. (statement available at www.dfa.gov.ph)

The Secretary told the Diplomatic Corps that in today’s world of fast-breaking developments, crisis upon crisis and information overload, clarity in communicating policies, actions and intentions are at a premium.  “In a world overwhelmed by data, news and information, articulating our policies and how we see our place in this world, in a clear and unambiguous manner is an imperative. For our shrinking global community creates bigger risks of misunderstanding. We owe it to our friends and allies to let them know where we stand,” she said in
her introductory statement.

After the Secretary’s statement, the Department’s Undersecretaries gave more detailed briefings on the areas and issues under their respective jurisdictions, namely:, Undersecretary Sonia Brady for Policy, Undersecretary Rafael Seguis for Special Concerns, Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin for Administration, Undersecretary Jose Brilliantes for Overseas Workers, and Mrs. Emelinda Lee-Pineda, the OIC for Economic Affairs.

In addressing the members of the diplomatic corps, the Secretary placed  particular emphasis on the  importance and appreciation the Philippines has for the diplomatic corps’ “continued support, interest and understanding.”

“For it is with your support, interest and understanding that we were able to reach new heights in our foreign policy last year and as we continue to pursue our national interests in three main areas of concern, namely, 1) national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, 2) economic development, 3) welfare of the Filipinos overseas,” she told the gathered diplomats.

The Secretary emphasized that “Our peace processes are on track. We are very thankful for the firm commitments for its success. We will continue to work closely with Indonesia and the other members of the OIC Committee of the Eight to further consolidate our MNLF peace agreement, with Malaysia on the MILF and
with Norway on the NDF. We are thankful for the support of the OIC members, the EU, the US, Japan, Canada, Australia and others, for economic cooperation programs that help address the roots of discontent, particularly in conflict and post conflict areas.”

The Secretary also said that the Philippines “is committed to helping address the serious security and humanitarian needs of our friends. We have lost brave men in Aceh and Liberia, but this will not alter our resolve. We hope to maintain our humanitarian contingent in Iraq while at the same time working for a greater role for the United Nations in the future of Iraq.”

“Thanks to your support, we will be in a better position to do all this as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Our term will be characterized by a willingness to consult and dialogue.  I look forward to working with you on particular issues before the Council,” she said.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Secretary Albert said that she intends to continue to work closely with the diplomatic community and that an important aspect of this work is to “keep the diplomats in Manila informed and engaged.” END.