PH Supports FEALAC Initiatives in 19th Senior Officials’ Meeting

VIENTIANE 29 November 2018 – The Philippines underscored the importance of the Forum for East Asia–Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) in facilitating meaningful dialogue and concrete cooperation between the two regions, during the 19th FEALAC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 20 to 21 November 2018.

During the meeting, Head of Philippine Delegation and Foreign Affairs Assistant
Secretary for American Affairs Maria Lumen B. Isleta reiterated the Philippines’ support for the initiatives that will enable FEALAC to implement bi-regional projects based on the shared interests of its member countries.

Furthermore, Assistant Secretary Isleta announced the Philippine contribution of US$10,000 to the FEALAC Trust Fund in order to support FEALAC projects. 

She also joined FEALAC member countries in ensuring that the New Action Plan, agreed upon by member countries in 2017 during the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, continues to be responsive to the needs of the people in both regions.

Assistant Secretary Isleta was accompanied by Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of American Affairs Acting Director Analyn D. Ratonel, National Economic and Development Authority-Social Development Staff Chief Economic Development Specialist Edgardo S. Aranjuez II, and Department of Energy Senior Science Research Specialists Winifredo Malabanan and Ramon Jaurigue.

Founded in 1999, FEALAC is the only forum for bi-regional dialogue between East Asia and Latin America. It currently has 36 East Asia and Latin American countries, of which the Philippines is a founding member. The next FEALAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Dominican Republic in 2019. END

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