PH, Switzerland Successfully Conclude 8th Political Consultations
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo (fifth from left) and Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan (fourth from left) and Head of the Asia Pacific Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Raphael Nägeli (sixth from left), with respective members of the Philippine and Swiss delegations, pose for a souvenir photo following the 8th Political Consultations. (Berne PE photo)
BERNE 03 July 2019 — The Philippines and Switzerland successfully concluded their 8th Political Consultations on 03 July in Berne, Switzerland covering various issues on political and economic developments, peace and security, and cooperation in the fields of defense, legal matters, trade and investments, taxation, vocational and technical education, tourism, and culture, among others.
The Philippines, headed by Undersecretary or Policy Enrique A. Manalo, highlighted various developments to achieving peace and lasting development in the country especially in the Mindanao region such as the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the creation of the Basamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The important role played by Switzerland in the Peace Process, specifically in the Swiss-led Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, was also acknowledged by the Philippines during the discussions.
Both sides concluded the discussions with the commitment to pursue closer collaboration and closer consultations on issues of mutual concern.
Joining Undersecretary Manalo in the Philippine delegration were Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Ma. Amelita C. Aquino, and Philippine Embassy in Berne Minister and Consul General Josephine M. Reynante. Department of Trade and Industry Executive Director Magnolia Uy was also a member of the Philippine Delegation.
The Swiss side was headed by Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl for the discussion on multilateral issues and FDFA Head of the Asia Pacific Division Ambassador Raphael Nägeli for the discussion on bilateral issues.
On the sidelines of the Political Consultation, the Embassy also held a “Peace and Development Forum” to discuss the priorities of the Philippine government at both the national and regional levels to achieve peace and lasting development. During the Forum, the Philippines reiterated its commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace for all. END
Undersecretary Manalo (third from left) raises issues of bilateral concerns during the 8th Political Consultations between the Philippines and Switzerland. Also in the photo are Philippine Delegation members (from left): Philippine Embassy in Berne Minister and Consul General Josephine M. Reynante, Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Ma. Amelita C. Aquino, Trade and Industry Executive Director Magnolia Uy, and Department of Foreign Affairs’ Principal Assistants Regina Angeli P. Ambrocio and Aleah Marie B. Gica. (Berne PE photo)
Undersecretary Manalo shakes hand with FDFA State Secretary Baeriswyl (left photo) and Swiss Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Alain Gaschen (right photo) following the conclusion of the meeting. (Berne PE photo)
For more information, visit www.bernepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSwitzerland.