Iran assures PH of safe, unhindered passage of Filipino vessels, seafarers in Strait of Hormuz
(DFA Photo)
Iran has assured the Philippines that it will allow the safe, unhindered, and expedited passage of Philippine vessels, energy sources, and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) bared.
Iran's assurance was made during a "productive phone conversation" between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Thursday, April 2.
"During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers," the DFA said.
In a social media post, Lazaro said she had a productive call with the Iranian official saying, "Building on recent talks, we reached a positive understanding on the safety of our seafarers and the security of our energy supply."
According to the department, the "positive development" will facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines as it reels from the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
It added that this is vital for the Philippines as it will also ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area.
"Given that the Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines," the DFA said.
The call concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy, it added.
It can be recalled that on Tuesday, March 31, President Marcos directed Lazaro to sit down with Iranian Ambassador to Manila Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh in light of the Philippines' looming needs for fuel sources.
Lazaro met with the Iranian envoy on Wednesday to request that Iran formally designate Philippines as a "non-hostile country" and ensure safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments.