Dr. Abdellouahed Belkeziz, OIC secretary general, assured Mrs. Arroyo of the organization’s keen desire to "further enhance and strengthen the relations" between its members and the Philippines.
In Rome, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Lakas-NUCD-UMDP national chairman, said Deputy Foreign Minister Ugo Intani has confirmed to him the Italian government’s approval of a "soft" $25-million assistance to the Arroyo administration.
Speaking at the De Gasperi Foundation international forum on the future of Europe, De Venecia said the emergence of region-wide institutions will "help fight poverty and corruption" in Asia.
"I believe that in seeking lessons from the European experience, we must look to an Asian community as a vehicle to contain a big-power nationalism, whether Chinese, Japanese or Indian, and turn it into a force for peace and prosperity in Asia," he said.
De Venecia, who is also president of the First Asian Political Parties Conference, said an eventual Asian Community will "reduce or prevent future confrontation between the US and China."
De Venecia was scheduled to present yesterday the economic and peace agenda of Mrs. Arroyo at the executive committee of the 100-member Christian Democrat and People’s Parties International under former Belgian prime minister Wilfred Martens.
Last Thursday, De Venecia presented Mrs. Arroyo’s letter of thanks on behalf of the Filipino people to Martens, who is also president of the European People’s Party and CDI, which have a majority in the European Parliament.
Martens had mobilized international support for Mrs. Arroyo.
Belkeziz told Mrs. Arroyo the "solid relations" between the Philippines and the OIC had been working for the "mutual benefit" of both sides.
"We are confident that your excellency’s wisdom and experience will enable you to fulfill the aspirations of the brotherly Philippine people in attaining progress and prosperity," read Belkeziz’s letter to the President.
Belkeziz said the OIC supports Mrs. Arroyo’s accession to the presidency following the ouster of President Joseph Estrada from Malacañang.
"We pray to Allah the Almighty to grant you success in your noble endeavor in the service of your great country," read Belkeziz’s letter to Mrs. Arroyo
Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Lauro Baja Sr. said Ambassador Raul Rabe would discuss with the OIC Mrs. Arroyo’s peace initiative with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other problems in Mindanao.
The President has appointed Rabe her special envoy to the OIC countries. He is scheduled to visit Morocco, Bangladesh, Egypt, Senegal, Saudi Arabia and Libya.