DFA chief to take cudgels for OFWs in Syria, Lebanon

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo promised to take the cudgels for Filipino workers during his four-day visit to Lebanon and Syria this week.

Romulo, in a departure statement Sunday night, said he will meet with officials and Philippine envoys in the two countries to follow up programs for Filipino workers.

"The welfare of Filipino workers will be a key topic that I will bring up with the Lebanese and Syrian officials. I will meet with our Ambassadors in Beirut and Damascus to discuss follow-through action and programs for the promotion of bilateral ties especially the welfare of Filipino workers," he said.

The text of the departure statement was posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website late Monday. Romulo's visit ends Feb. 19.

Romulo said he will also meet with the highest officials of these Arab States to further enhance the Philippines' interaction with the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League.

Lebanon and Syria are members of these organizations, he noted.

"I am hopeful that my interface with these key players will redound to the benefit of all Filipino Muslims and our quest for peace in the Southern Philippines," he said.

He added the visit is in pursuit of the Philippines' commitment to deepen engagement with its partners in the Middle East.

Diplomatic relations of the Philippines with Lebanon and Syria were established in 1946, almost 63 years ago.

The Philippines opened its Embassy in Beirut in 1996 and in Damascus in December last year.

"Our Diplomatic Missions in these Arab States are at the forefront of the vigorous implementation of Philippine foreign policy especially in the enhancement of trade and cultural exchanges and in the continued promotion of the welfare of Filipino expatriates," Romulo said.

In Beirut, Romulo will meet with President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Fawzi Salloukh.

In Damascus, he will meet with President Bashar Assad, Prime Minister Naji al Otri and Foreign Minister Walid al Moallem.

"I will personally convey the appreciation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Filipino people to Lebanese and Syrian officials for their governments' valuable support and cooperation during the safe repatriation of about 10,000 Filipino expatriates from Lebanon during the July 2006 Hezbullah-Israel war," he said. - GMANews.TV

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