Philippines hopeful Korea talks would lead to meaningful dialogue

January 5, 2018

The Philippines said the decision of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to resume talks with South Korea is the first step towards what it hopes would be the start of meaningful dialogue that would lead to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

"The Philippines is hoping that the decision of the DPRK to resume official talks with the Republic of Korea would lead to meaningful progress in efforts to achieve not only the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula but also peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the Asia-Pacific," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement Friday.

Cayetano issued the statement hours after South Korea's Unification Ministry announced Pyongyang’s acceptance of Seoul’s proposal to hold official talks on 9 January.

“The Philippines has constantly advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the situation in the Korean Peninsula, and we encourage both countries to continue taking concrete efforts towards this end,” the Secretary said.

Cayetano said Manila is ready to play a role in bringing about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula as this would usher in progress and prosperity that would also benefit the rest of the region.

This development came a day after both sides engaged in telephone calls following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s expression of hope during his annual New Year's day address that a North Korean delegation participate in the February Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Cayetano also thanked members of the international community that have contributed to the efforts to bring both parties back to the negotiating table, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China.

Cayetano said the decision of Washington and Seoul to delay scheduled annual military exercises also contributed to the lowering of tensions that helped open the door for the resumption of official talks between both countries.

The Philippines has consistently spoken out in the strongest possible terms against the nuclear weapons and ballistic missile tests and development of North Korea. It has consistently underscored the need for North Korea to abide by prevailing UN Security Council Resolutions. DMS