Canada lauds Bangsamoro milestone ‘for lasting peace’

Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird, left to right, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Minister of Justice Peter MacKay. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) would pave the way for lasting peace and  stability in Mindanao, the Canadian Embassy said Friday.

“After decades of conflict and more than 20 years of negotiations, this historic milestone paves the way for lasting peace, stability, development and long-term economic prosperity for the people of the southern Philippines and will redound to the benefit of all Filipinos,” Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said in statement.

Baird said Canada encouraged both parties to the agreement, and all Filipinos, to continue to work together to make the agreement a reality, to implement it in good faith and to overcome the legacy of conflict.

“Canada congratulates the government of the Philippines and its partner, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, on the signing in Manila of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” he said.

He gave assurances that Canada “stands ready to assist” the Philippines.

On Thursday, the international community lauded the landmark signing of the peace agreement and has extended their support to the CAB.