PRESS RELEASE

NYPM 28-2011

10 JUNE 2011

PHL BATS FOR STRONGER COOPERATION IN PROTECTING FILIPINO SEAFARERS; RECEIVES SOMALIA COMMITMENT

27 May 2011 Bali, Indonesia - The Philippines pressed for stronger cooperation with the Somalia Government in the protection of Filipino seafarers, particularly in efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of those currently held captive by pirates. In his meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic Dr. Mohamed Ali Hamud (center) at the sidelines of the 16 th Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement here, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose S. Brillantes (left) emphasized the importance of the protection of Filipino nationals overseas which constituted one of the three pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy. In the meeting, Minister Hamud conveyed the commitment of the Somali Government to cooperate further in the protection of Filipino seafarers. Around 350,000 Filipino sailors account for an estimated one third of the world’s seafarers. Also present during the meeting was Mr. Mohamad Olon Barow, Somali Ambassador to Indonesia (right) (Photo: Cecille Joyce Lao) END

Reference:

Robert E.A. Borje
Second Secretary
Legal Affairs, Press and Information and Interfaith Dialogue

Philippine Mission to the United Nations
556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Telephone No. 212.764.1300 ext. 23