GMA to meet OIC leader in visit to Turkey

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo will meet with Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu when she visits Turkey this week to solidify the Philippines’ bid for observer status with the 57-state Islamic union, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The President will also update Ihsanoglu on the progress in the Mindanao peace process.

The DFA said the President would visit Turkey on Sept. 16-17, upon the invitation of Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

Arroyo’s visit will be the highlight of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Turkey this year.

The President’s visit is expected to strengthen economic ties with Turkey which is the 16th largest economy in the world and the 6th in Europe. Turkey is an emerging market for Philippine exports, alongside India, South Africa, Russia and Ukraine.

In 2008, trade volume between the Philippines and Turkey amounted to more than $114 million, with Philippine exports to Turkey reaching $63 million, and Philippine imports from Turkey at $51 million. Among Philippine products for further promotion to Turkey are costume/precious jewelry (especially pearls, other precious stones), fresh/processed fruits (especially bananas, mangoes), garments/furniture, organic chemicals, and coconut products.

President Arroyo will also take the opportunity to thank President Gul for Turkey’s support for the Philippines’ bid for an observer status with the OIC.

The OIC welcomed the Philippine government’s decision to cease military operations in Southern Philippines as a prelude to the resumption of peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Ihsanoglu also welcomed the MILF’s positive response to the government’s ceasefire by halting its own military operations.

He expressed hopes that negotiations between the two parties would resume from the point where earlier peace efforts culminated in an effort to preserve and build upon what has been achieved in this respect.

Ihsanoglu called on both parties to deploy all necessary efforts in a bid to realize security, peace, and development in Southern Philippines.

He also underscored the OIC’s readiness and willingness to make all-out efforts to assist the two parties in moving forward towards achieving peace.

Ihsanoglu noted that the foreign ministers of the OIC member states expressed during their meeting held in May 2009 in Damascus, Syria, their concern over the deterioration of the situation in Southern Philippines due to military operations and called upon the two parties to resume negotiations and carry off earlier achievements.

From Turkey, the President will proceed to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination, to look after the welfare of Filipino overseas workers and strengthen bilateral relations with these countries.