13 September 2005, United Nations, New York – As a founding member of the United Nations and as a current non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and as a leader in pursuing greater interfaith dialogue and the rights and welfare of migrants, the Philippines can make an important contribution to the efforts of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to reform the United Nations and to address pressing global issues, including the fight against terrorism, the debilitating debt of a large number of NAM members and the rising price of oil.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo made this observation after the conclusion of the NAM Leaders Dinner tonight, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attended, accompanied by Secretary Romulo and Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lauro L. Baja, Jr.

“It was clear from the discussions and the statements made by President Arroyo, that the Philippines has much to offer in terms of the overall efforts of NAM to address the concerns of its member, particularly in facing today’s global challenges,” Secretary Romulo said after the NAM Leaders Dinner.

The dinner, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi as the current NAM Chair, brought together a select number of NAM members who had previously chaired NAM and those who were previously or currently on the UN Security Council.

“The Leaders of NAM discussed a number of issues of grave concern to its members.  They touched upon certain issues of importance, including a number of issues where the Philippines had played an important part or is currently playing an important part,” the Secretary said.

“The President took the opportunity to raise the critical need to address the rising price of oil, keeping in mind that within the NAM are the major producers of oil,” the Secretary said.

On the significance of NAM as an organization, the Secretary explained that NAM, with its 113 members, remains a potent force in world affairs and that the Philippines remains committed to the guiding principles of NAM.

“The Non-Aligned Movement remains relevant in today’s world.  Although NAM was created in the crucible of a divided world, it has emerged from the Cold War intact and has become a powerful voice for multilateralism, the rule of law and for the political aspirations of the developing world,” Secretary Romulo said. END