Manalo off to NAM summit in Uganda; PH seeks diplomatic ties with more African nations
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is inclined to boost the Philippines’ bilateral relations with African nations as he is set to visit the continent for the first time since assuming the top diplomat post.
Manalo will be in Uganda from Jan. 19 to 20 to attend the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, where he will reaffirm the Philippines commitment to work with its partner countries to bring back the movement’s founding principle of preventing Cold War confrontation.
For Manalo, the event will be an opportunity to reach out to African nations to enhance their bilateral ties with the Philippines as well as to strengthen cooperation and mutual support in multilateral fora.
That includes their support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.
“This trip will be an excellent opportunity to engage with countries from Africa and other regions to boost South-South cooperation and promote the shared interests and perspectives of developing countries in shaping a more inclusive, equal and just international economic order in the 21st century,” Manalo said.
At the NAM Summit, Manalo said he will deliver the Philippine statement on behalf of President Marcos.
There, he said, he will convey the Philippines’ solidarity with developing countries on key issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
“We will also work with ASEAN countries to promote our interests and priorities at the NAM Summit,” he added.