The Philippines has expressed its support to the United Nations' call to counter terrorism in Africa as it is necessary to prevent other complex and emerging threats.
Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole Mellejor extended the Philippines' backing to the international body's appeal during a high-level African Counter-Terrorism meeting in Abuja, Nigeria from April 22 to 23.
The gathering focused on bolstering ties between international partners and African Member States that are impacted by terrorism.
Mellejor stressed the Philippines’ support for the United Nations Joint Appeal for Counter-Terrorism in Africa as the country recognized such effort as a crucial instrument in addressing complex and emerging threats strategically, innovatively and jointly through multi-partner initiatives.
“We welcome the commitment by the United Nations to deliver prioritized, strategized and joined-up support through multi-partner initiatives under the UN Joint Appeal for Counter-Terrorism in Africa," he said.
"The Joint Appeal can be a helpful instrument for ensuring streamlined and coordinated support from funding partners and UN entities,” he added.
The Philippines also reaffirmed during the meeting its dedication to enhancing multilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism in all its complexity.
The country, Mellejor said, is also ready to share its own experiences with the peoples and governments of Africa through country-led and country-owned solutions that include adopting landmark national legislations to strengthen institutional capacities to prevent and combat terrorism.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the recent meeting in Abuja served as a platform for the Philippines to further engage with partners in Africa and around the world, as well as the UN, in a bid to strengthen international cooperation against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.