GMA: Libya visit significant

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo’s visit to Libya may seem insignificant to most people, but she said her latest trip to this African nation would have far reaching benefits to the country.

The President, who left for Tripoli, Libya at around midnight yesterday, said her visit would promote the welfare of Filipino seafarers as well as the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Mrs. Arroyo and her “lean” delegation proceeded to Tripoli upon the invitation of Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi to attend the 40th anniversary of the Great Al Fateh Revolution.

The President will also attend the African Union’s Special Summit on the Settlement of Conflicts in Africa.

In her departure statement, the President said the summit aims to find ways to address peace and security issues affecting the African continent.

“Africa is increasingly important to the Philippines. The peace and stability of Africa directly impact on our energy security, but more importantly, on the safety and welfare of many of our overseas Filipinos, including our seafarers,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

Filipino seafarers, who make up a significant portion of the crew of most ships going through the Gulf of Aden in Somalia, have fallen victim to pirates that prey on vessels going through those waters.

While the incidents of piracy have fallen during the past few months, the President noted that this would most likely be revived and as such should be addressed immediately.

“The East African monsoon is almost over and we can expect a surge in pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia. Though many have been freed, over 200 Filipino seamen have suffered at the hands of pirates,” she said.

“We are vigorously working to protect our seafarers and this is an issue where Africa’s collective efforts to bring stability and order to the affected areas will be crucial,” the President added.

The summit was held yesterday and today the President will join “a select group of global leaders” to attend the ceremonies for the 40th anniversary of the Libyan Revolution.

Mrs. Arroyo noted that Libya has achieved a lot and has transformed into a nation that engages various countries across the globe, including the Philippines.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Libya started in 1976 and the President noted that “we have stood with the Libyan people and they have stood by us.”

“In the 40 years since Libya’s Great Al Fateh Revolution, much has happened to transform Libya into the nation it is today; a nation eager to engage all others, a nation that has set aside its differences with others to bring greater harmony to global relations,” the President said.