Malaysia to remain as peace talks facilitator

Malaysia will continue to act as facilitator at the resumption of peace talks in Mindanao.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo disclosed this today following the courtesy call of Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Sri Anifah Aman on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang.

Romulo said Malaysia has been playing a constructive and positive role to encourage a peaceful resolution in the Mindanao problem.

The President welcomed Minister Anifah who was accompanied by Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad.

Also present during the call were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles and DFA Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio.

Minister Anifah’s visit centered on Malaysia’s role in the formal peace negotiations scheduled this month between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

As its closest neighbor in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines earlier decided to retain Malaysia as third party facilitator in the resumption of the GRP-MILF peace talks, a role which Malaysia has assumed since 2001.

Since 2004, Malaysia also led the International Monitoring Team together with Libya, Japan and Brunei which successfully contributed to the comprehensive peace process in Mindanao. (OPS/PIA9-BST)