DFA cites successful hosting of Apec meet

DFA spokesman Charles Jose. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Even if the controversial South China Sea was not in the official agenda, the country was successful in its second hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

“I think substantive wise and preparation wise, it was successful,” DFA spokesperson Charles Jose told reporters at the close of the summit.

Jose said the government was able to push forward the agenda of  Apec and was able to ensure the safety and comfort of Apec leaders and delegates.

He stressed that the Philippines’ dispute with China over the South China Sea was not discussed at the Apec leaders’ retreat and, more importantly, was not part of the agenda.

“We have always said that Apec is an economic forum,” Jose said.

But he did point out that the South China Sea issue was raised during President Aquino’s bilateral meeting with  US President Barack Obama and leaders of Vietnam and Japan, which also have territorial disputes with China.

Mr. Aquino had said the government intended to be a “perfect host” in the Apec summit, the second to be held in the Philippines.

In welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario had also said China had been promised that the Philippines would be a “good host.”

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said the government had “acted appropriately for the occasion.”