Philippines Deputy Foreign Minister Says His Country Supports Legitimate Syrian Government

DAMASCUS–Philippines Deputy Foreign Minister Jesus I. Yabes has stressed that his country backs the legitimate government of Syria and that despite pressure , the Philippines hasn’t closed its embassy in Damascus and has been keen on supporting Syria within most difficult circumstances.

Yabes was speaking during his meeting on Sunday with the Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban in Damascus.

 During the meeting, Shaaban hailed the fact that the Philippines has maintained a good stance within the ongoing crisis in the country and has always been keen to send delegates to Syria to see the situation firsthand and not depend on what is circulated by Western media, SANA reported.

According to Shaaban, Syria and the Philippines have a common history as both suffered from occupation and were the target of western schemes. She affirmed the importance of enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries.

The Filipino diplomat  also said that the situation in Syria is getting better steadily and his current visit to the country has clarified a lot, noting that he will convey what he saw and know about the situation in Syria to the government of the Philippines.

Yabes asserted that top priority should now be combating the terrorism which the Syrian government is seriously fighting. He pointed out that he will urge his government to work as to help lift the blockade imposed on Syria by the US and its allies.

The guest official went on to say that before the crisis, Syria and the Philippines prepared agreements especially in the tourist domain, expressing his government desire to sign these agreements.

Earlier, during his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal al-Mikdad, Yabes expressed gratitude that the Filipino workers and expatriates in Syria are living in dignity and are being treated with respect.

He referred to the measures which the Syrian government has taken since the beginning of the crisis in Syria to facilitate the affairs of the Filipino workers, maintain their rights and secure departure for those who are willing to leave the country.

Hamda Mustafa