by JASON GUTIERREZ
Palestine Foreign Minister notches diplomatic deal with Philippines on eve of Manila’s assumption of ASEAN’s rotating chair
MANILA – Palestine is on a diplomatic mission in the region and on Tuesday forged an agreement for regular consultations with the Philippines, the incoming chairman of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.
Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin’s visit to Manila came a day after the UN Security Council passed a resolution drafted by the United States Monday that is seen to move the fragile ceasefire in Gaza towards more meaningful reconstruction in the ruined enclave.
Thirteen of the council’s 15 members voted in favor of the resolution, while China and Russia abstained, but did not veto the measure. While Palestine and Israel have already agreed to the first phase of a 20-point plan in Gaza, this resolution is seen as a key to legitimizing a transitional government that could bring more stability.
“This high-level visit is reflective of our growing partnership and our mutual commitment to further strengthen our cooperation,” Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro told a joint news conference with Shahin after bilateral talks.
“We both agreed that it is high time for our countries to forge more robust and practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Lazaro said. Shahin is the highest Palestinian Authority official to have visited the Philippines since diplomatic ties were forged 36 years ago.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a regular “structured bilateral mechanism of consultations,” Lazaro said.
“This will allow us to take stock of our bilateral relations, identify areas of cooperation and promote our common interests,” she said. “In connection with this, we hope to convene the inaugural political consultations next year.”
As incoming ASEAN chair, the Philippines will “continue to uphold international law,” Lazaro said, as she stressed the country’s “unwavering support to the two-state solution which the Philippines regards as the only viable path towards peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Asia Times for more