Foreign Vice-minister for Asia holds meeting with Philippines' Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations - MPPRE

Foreign Vice-minister for Asia holds meeting with Philippines’ Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations

Foreign Vice-minister for Asia, the Middle East and Oceania Capaya Rodríguez held on Tuesday, May 25, a virtual meeting with Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs from the Republic of the Philippines Elizabeth Buensuceso.

Rodríguez, who is also Venezuela’s Ambassador to the Philippines, thanked the undersecretary for this meeting, and underlined the Asian region’s importance for the Venezuelan Government and its interest in holding the First Bilateral Consultation Mechanism with the Philippines to move forward with the strengthening and promotion of bilateral relations.

Likewise, the Venezuelan foreign vice-minister for Asia highlighted that establishing economic-commercial cooperation is one of the main aspects that could be explored, especially in the energy and food areas, and mentioned the possibility for the Filipino authorities to assess the reopening of their Diplomatic Mission in Caracas to make their relations more dynamic.

Rodríguez told the Filipino undersecretary that, according to the Venezuelan foreign relations’ guidelines, based on the diplomacy of peace and the South-South cooperation, and the prioritized goal to adhere to the Friendship, Cooperation Treaty with the ASEAN, they plan to hold the 4th ASEAN Conference in Venezuela, and extended a verbal invitation to the Philippines to attend this event, explaining that a formal invitation will be forwarded in due time.

Also, on behalf of President Nicolás Maduro and Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, she thanked the Philippines for its support at international fora for the candidatures of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the different Resolutions introduced to condemn the cruel unilateral coercive measures imposed on the South American country.

Foreign Vice-minister Rodríguez also said how important it is for Venezuela to place a bust of Liberator Simón Bolívar in the city of Manila, and recalled that the Filipino Government unveiled a bust of national hero José Rizal in 2005 in Puerto Cabello.

Undersecretary Buensuceso congratulated Foreign Vice-minister Rodríguez for her appointment and new duties, stressing that President Nicolás Maduro was a visionary for letting her hold the post of Ambassador to the Philippines as it ensures her presence in the region, something that will benefit the promotion of relations with Asian countries with a positive impact on South-South cooperation and diplomacy among the peoples.  Likewise, Buensuceso said the Filipino Foreign Ministry welcomed her appointment.

The Filipino official said that Ambassador María Theresa Lázaro will soon take up the post of Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs as she will be performing other high-level duties.

Buensuceso stressed it is an honor to place a bust of Liberator Simón Bolivar in Manila because he appears in all elementary school books with his great battles and transcendental political character, and the Filipino people recognize him for his great progressive ideas and emancipating actions as the Great Man of America.

The Filipino undersecretary pointed out she will convey all the information discussed in this meeting to her successor as the Philippines is very interested in fostering and strengthening bilateral relations.