Amid the Moro and Communists insurgencies besetting the country, the Philippines has offered to help Colombia on its peace talks with a rebel group, Malacañang said yesterday.
President Benigno Aquino III made the offer to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos during a courtesy call in Malacañang ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled on Nov. 18 and 19.
Santos will be attending the Apec summit as an observer but expressed interest in having his country become a member of Apec.
“For us to get into Apec is a priority and I hope my presence here will help,” Santos said later in a briefing with journalists at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
“President Aquino congratulated President Santos on significant developments in Columbia’s peace process and negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and expressed good wishes on scheduled signing of final agreement in 2016,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
“He [Aquino] offered Philippines’ assistance and advice in the peace process, if needed,” said Coloma.
“The two leaders noted their countries’ common concerns on combating illegal drug trade and drug abuse. Like Colombia, Philippines is taking steps to improve people’s quality of life by bringing social opportunities closer to them, thus channeling their energies to legitimate sources of income,” Coloma said.
Aquino shared the Philippines experiences with such programs as 4P’s, Conditional Cash Transfer and PhilHealth universal health care, to address poverty issues that previously bred insurgency, noting common challenges faced by both countries, Coloma said.
Santos, on the other hand, offered Colombia’s knowledge and experience in anti-insurgency and anti-illegal drugs campaign, citing decades-long fight in these two fronts.
Santos also said Colombia is looking up to the Philippines as a vital resource in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Aquino said that the Philippines will share learnings and best practices in rebuilding and establishing disaster resiliency.
Aquino likewise thanked Santos for accepting invitation to participate in the Apec-Pacific Alliance informal conversation.
Aquino noted that efforts and initiatives of Colombia to become a part of Apec will materialize soon, Coloma said.
Santos’ visit was the first by a Colombian leader since the Philippines and Colombia established bilateral relations in 1946.