Philippines Affirms Pacific Islands Forum Members’ Centrality in the Pacific and Supports Priorities through Technical Cooperation
Special Envoy to the PIF Jesus S Domingo delivering the PH statement at the Post-Forum Dialogue during the 52nd PIF Leaders Meeting, 10 November 2023.
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS, 17 November 2023 – The Philippines affirmed its commitment to the PIF as, like ASEAN, an important regional mechanism that enables Member States to address pressing issues, enhance cooperation and foster unity.
In his statement at the session with Dialogue Partners of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Jesus S. Domingo, as Special Envoy of the President to the PIF, affirmed the Philippines’ solidarity with the PIF and its Member States, as well as the Philippines’ support in achieving their national and collective goals.
“Together, we shall navigate the challenges ahead and continue to build a future where our collective determination fosters enduring prosperity and stability,” Special Envoy Domingo stated. “The Philippines shares a common Austronesian, Christian and English-speaking heritage and common values with Pacific countries, reflected in the remarkable popularity of Filipino soap operas and music among the PIC publics,” Special Envoy Domingo remarked.
Special Envoy Domingo spoke in Panel 1 on “Political Leadership & Regionalism, Peace & Security.” He stressed that the Philippines brought to the table a history of forging pathways for inclusive dialogue, consensus building, and participatory approaches to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity, anchored on the country’s commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Special Envoy Domingo added that the Philippines, as a PIF Dialogue Partner, was keen to cooperate with Pacific partner countries on issues of climate change and disaster risk reduction and management, advancing gender and development, youth, digital governance, and in protecting the marine environment and biodiversity.
At the sidelines of the PIF, Special Envoy Domingo had bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa of Samoa; Minister of Foreign Affairs Jack Ading of the Marshall Islands; Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands; Minister of State Gustav Aitaro of Palau; High Commissioner of Fiji in New Zealand and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola; and Director for Policy Joel Nilon and Senior Economics Adviser Denton Rarawa of the PIF Secretariat. In these meetings, he explored opportunities to advance technical cooperation in the areas of climate action, disaster management, labor mobility, fisheries, agriculture, trainings in diplomacy, military and police matters, and promoting greater understanding of Philippines, Southeast Asian and Pacific studies in each other’s regions.
Special Envoy Domingo led the Philippine delegation, which consisted of Philippine Ambassador Kira D. Azucena (with jurisdiction in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nuie, Samoa, and Tonga), and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Office and the Philippine Embassy in Wellington.
During the visit, Special Envoy Domingo and the Philippine Delegation members met with members of the 500-strong Filipino community in the Cook Islands. Special Envoy Domingo and Ambassador Azucena conveyed to the Filipino community the warm wishes of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo. They also updated the Filipino community of current government programs to promote their welfare and interests. END
SE Domingo and PH Ambassador to NZ, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Niue Kira D. Azucena, with the PH Delegation to the PIFLM52, with members of the Filipino Community in a Meet-and-Greet event in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 12 November 2023.