DFA officials meet Iran Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh

DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) met on Tuesday with Iran Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told INQUIRER.net.

In a text message, De Vega said he and Assistant Secretary Mardomel Melicor were the ones who met with the ambassador.

He then disclosed that during the meeting, Zadeh “affirmed” that the four seafarers of “MSC Aries” held hostage by Iran forces “will soon be able to return to the Philippines.”

“The Philippines is working for the safe return of the four Filipino seafarers currently onboard the MSC Aries at the soonest possible time,” said de Vega.

“The four seafarers have also been able to contact their families in the Philippines. The [DFA] will regularly update the public on this matter,” he added.

READ: 4 Filipinos are on Portuguese container ship hijacked by Iran, says DMW

The Philippine government earlier called for a non-escalation in the Middle East, particularly calling on all parties involved to “work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict.”

“The Philippines has long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” said DFA in a statement on Monday.