Philippines Boosts Ties with NAM Member States

AZERBAIJAN, 10 July 2023 – Philippine DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral  Affairs and International Economic Relations (UMAIER) Carlos Sorreta discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation with 14 countries at the sidelines of the Senior Officials and Ministerial Meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, Azerbaijan from 3-6 July 2023. 

In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instructions to look for non-traditional partners in trade, Usec Sorreta met with high level representatives from Azerbaijan, Cuba, Iran, Mauritania, Namibia, Venezuela, Mozambique, Bolivia, India, Kazakhstan, Uganda, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. 

He discussed possible Philippine investments in port development with both Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerado Peñalver of Cuba and Deputy Foreign Minister Karla Gabriela Samayoa Recari of Guatemala. 

The establishment of bilateral consultative mechanisms and political consultations was raised with Ambassador Adnane Salem Cheibani Amar of Mauritania, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Manuel José Gonçalves of Mozambique, Ambassador Diego Pary of Bolivia and Foreign Minister Denis Moncada Colindres of Nicaragua. 

Usec. Sorreta congratulated Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov of Azerbaijan for the successful chairmanship of the NAM. In a separate meeting, Sorreta conveyed the support and cooperation of the Philippines to Foreign Minister Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar of Uganda for their incoming chairmanship of the NAM. 

India and the Philippines discussed mutual support on key issues and reform of the working methods of the NAM.

In all bilateral meetings, Undersecretary Sorreta highlighted that the Philippines was deeply committed to peace and security and the principles of the NAM.  He requested support for the PH bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028. END