28 November 2016 —The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of European Affairs spearheaded the 4th European Ambassadors’ Forum at the Manila Diamond Hotel on November 25 on the theme, “The Philippine Peace and Development Roadmap.”
Twenty resident embassies from European countries, as well as representatives from different offices in the DFA participated in the forum. The said forum is an avenue for dialogue and exchange of ideas on cross-cutting issues.
This year’s forum is the second time that peace and development have been covered as a major theme. Previous editions of the European Ambassador’s Forum revolved around the West Philippine Sea and climate change issues.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. formally opened the forum while Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Børge Brende delivered the keynote message. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza spoke on the theme.
“Our children must go beyond a conflict-ridden present and see a desired future marked by lasting peace. Our people must take up a source of livelihood not by taking arms but by engaging in agriculture, commerce, or entrepreneurship. These are achievable if there is peace in our land,” said Secretary Yasay during his opening remarks.
He underscored the value and importance that the Philippines accords to peace, which he said, “is an issue which impacts not only on the wellbeing of the Filipino people but also on the greater peace and security of the region.”
The Secretary conveyed the Philippines Government’s appreciation to Norway for its valuable support to the Philippines’ campaign for a just and lasting peace.
Norway has been a third-party facilitator in the Philippine peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF for 15 years and has been a strong proponent in other peace efforts around the world.
During his keynote message, Foreign Minister Brende outlined the five guiding principles for peace and reconciliation that his country abides by. Foreign Minister Brende, who is in the Philippines on an official visit, also reiterated his government’s commitment to continue to facilitate the peace talks with the National Democratic Front.
For their part, Secretary Dureza and Undersecretary Diosita Andot of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process briefed the European Ambassadors on the country’s roadmap for peace and development, and the challenges faced in pursuing this roadmap.
Following the remarks of the special guests, several Ambassadors took the opportunity to engage the speakers on issues ranging from the inclusivity of the on-going peace processes, counter-terrorism efforts, and plans for federalism of the Duterte Administration. END
