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Philippine President Defines Strategic Foreign Policies
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday defined foreign policies of the country, highlighting closer ties with the United States, China, Japan the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the International Islamic Community.
In her foreign policy speech at the 103rd founding anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Arroyo pointed out that China, Japan and the United States and their relationships will be the determining influence in the security situation and economic evolution of East Asia.
Arroyo cited the historic ties between the Philippines and the United States but stressed that this alliance should be responsive to the new realities of globalization and the relationship between democracy and the market.
With China, the Philippines desires "a healthy, comprehensive, long-term relationship that transcends the specific matters at issue between us," Arroyo said.
She also said that more and more foreign policy decisions should be made in the context of the ASEAN.
The International Islamic Community will continue to be important for the Philippines. The Philippines would continue to forge "closer and stronger" bilateral relations with members of the powerful Organization of Islamic Conference in its quest of seeking a permanent peace and development of Southern Philippines, where most of the 4 million Moslems of the country are living, the President added.
Arroyo also stressed that the country's economic growth will continue to be heavily dependent on direct foreign investment, and overseas Filipinos will continue to play an important role in the country's economic and social stability.
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