Brussels, 27 January 2005 – Secretary Alberto G. Romulo today had a fruitful discussion with European Commission (EC) Commissioner for External Affairs Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and both officials agreed that many of today’s global issues can be effectively addressed by regional cooperation – both within and between regions of the world.

Secretary Romulo stressed that the Philippine government was committed to pursue the cause of peace and noted significant progress in the negotiations with the MILF.  The Secretary noted, “Credit should also be given to Malaysia in particular, and other ASEAN neighbors and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) that a long sought-after resolution is now in sight.”

Also part of the Philippine delegation, Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles further briefed the Commissioner, noting that the 18-month ceasefire that was still in effect, and expressed optimism that a peace agreement could be concluded by the middle of this year.  The Secretary also described the multi-track approach of also bringing development to the affected areas in order to address the root of dissension, and in this regard, thanked Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner for the EU’s interest in the multi-donor trust fund for Mindanao .

 While noting that the peace talks with the NDF were not as far advanced, Secretary Romulo extended his gratitude for the cooperation given in the past by the European Union.  Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner assured the Philippine delegation that any assistance requested would be considered and acted upon.

The third member of the RP delegation, Secretary Norberto Gonzales, spoke on the issue of terrorism and gave an overview of the past activities and current status of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in Mindanao.  He noted that any contact between domestic groups and the JI has been effectively diminished.  Once again, regional cooperation played an important role in improving the situation, as close neighbors worked together to interdict the common enemy.

Secretary Romulo also cited the Philippines’ role as a regional leader on the issue of counter-terrorism through its Chairmanship of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Task Force.  He noted further that inter-regional initiatives at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) extend to discussions on Inter-Faith dialogue, which is another aspect of addressing terrorism.  The EC Commissioner agreed by stating that ”On the issue of terrorism, the security aspect and promotion of understanding between cultures are two sides of the same coin.”

The Secretary concluded the meeting by thanking the European Commission for its generous donation of 800,000 Euro for the victims of the typhoons that hit Luzon, as well as, for the EU’s quick response to the tragedy arising from the earthquake and tsunami that affected several nations.  END
 

/jay