17 December 2015 - The Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) signed today a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on a Development Cooperation Program for Asian and Pacific Countries that is seen to significantly boost the Philippines’ efforts to further deepen the country’s positive engagement with key stakeholders in the region.

The MOA, signed by ASPAC Assistant Secretary Minda Calaguian Cruz and FSI Director-General Claro S. Cristobal, will draw together the experience and expertise of both offices toward the development and implementation of a work plan for development cooperation.

Among the countries identified for inclusion in the work plan for development cooperation are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor Leste, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pacific Island Countries.

Speaking after the signing ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Assistant Secretary Cruz said that the Development Cooperation Program underscores the importance of development cooperation as part of diplomacy.

Assistant Secretary Cruz further stated that “the Philippines, based on its strengths, lessons learned and best practices, has a wealth of experience and expertise that can be shared with other countries in the region” to advance common goals such as in sustainable development.

She also pointed out that the fact that countries in the region have approached the Philippines to seek active partnerships in development cooperation is a “recognition that the Philippines can play an increasing and multi-dimensional role in the region.”

Assistant Secretary Cruz announced that the program will be rolled out in 2016. END