10 June 2004, Washington D.C., U.S.A. – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert, who is in Washington D.C. to represent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the State funeral of former U.S. President Ronald Wilson Reagan, took the opportunity to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, H.E. Shaik Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.

During the meeting, Secretary Albert briefed Foreign Minister Khalifa on the progress of the Implementation of the 1996 peace agreement and emphasized the importance for the Philippines to be accepted in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as an observer.  The Secretary explained that it has been President Arroyo’s major thrust to promote development in Mindanao at the same time as peace talks are being pursued.  She also briefed her counterpart on her current efforts to bring the Muslim women of Mindanao into the mainstream of peace-building and conflict resolution.

Foreign Minister Khalifa, on his part, stressed the close relationship between the Philippines and Bahrain, which was highlighted by the visit of President Arroyo to Bahrain in December of last year.  He assured the Secretary of Bahrain’s full support for the Philippine bid in the OIC, which would be vital in bringing peace and progress to the Southern Philippines.
 
On 12 June, Secretary Albert proceeds to Istanbul, Turkey to participate, upon the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, to the 31st Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.  END