Foreign relations of the Philippines
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The Philippines cultivates constructive relations with its Asian neighbors, with whom it is linked through membership in ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The Philippines is a member of the United Nations and some of its specialized agencies, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM, since 1992), and has close links with the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The Philippines has played a key role in ASEAN in recent years and also values its relations with the countries of the Middle East, in no small part because hundreds of thousands of Filipinos are employed in that region.
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Foreign policy
The fundamental Philippine attachment to democracy and human rights is reflected in its foreign policy and is also a staunch and a close ally of the United States. On October 18 2003 President George W. Bush became the second President of the US (Eisenhower was first) to speak in the Philippine Congress. He praised the Philippines for being a bastion of democracy in the east and for being America's oldest ally in Asia, In the past years the Philippines has also began to establish closer ties to its other former colonizer, Spain. The King and Queen of Spain attended the Centenial celebration of Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12, 1998 in recognition of a shared colonial past and similarities in culture.
Philippine soldiers and police have participated in a number of multilateral civilian police and peacekeeping operations such as in Iraq where the Philippines sent a 100 or so doctors, soldiers, nurses and police in the area, until they were recalled to the Philippines in order to ensure the safe return of a Philippine hostage. A Philippine Army general served as the first commander of the UN Peacekeeping Operation in East Timor. The Philippine Government also has been active in efforts to reduce tensions among rival claimants to the territories and waters of the resource-rich South China Sea.
Relations with specific countries and regions
East Timor
Relations with East Timor is very positive. Relations began as soon as that country was multilaterally recognized as an indepedent state. The Philippines was involved in the UN security mission there. The two countries are now engaged in growing trade and commerce, as well as cultural and educational exchanges.
Pakistan
Relations with Pakistan have become quite rosy when Pakistan's head of state, Pervez Musharraf visited the Philippines in April 18, 2005. The visit was to boost trade, commerce, and industry between the two countries.
United States of America
The Unites States is one the closest economic and political allies of the Philippines. Primarily, the two countries are partners in counterterrorism, as they both share intelligence. Also, the two countries also conduct military exercises in Mindanao, and are both heavily involved in trade and commerce.
Participation in international organizations
- Asian Development Bank
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations
- Latin Union
- United Nations
- Non-Aligned Movement
Issues
International disputes
The country is involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with the People's Republic of China, Malaysia, Republic of China (Taiwan), Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claim to Malaysia's Sabah State has not been fully revoked
Illicit drugs
The country exports locally produced marijuana and hashish to East Asia, the United States, and other Western markets; serves as a transit point for heroin and crystal methamphetamine
See also
External links
- www.dfa.gov.ph - Department of Foreign Affairs