Brits back peace talks

British Foreign Secretary William Hague talks to journalists after a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi in Cairo on September 12, 2012. AFP FILE PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI

MANILA, Philippines—The United Kingdom reaffirmed its support for the peace process in Mindanao and its commitment to pursue cooperation in the areas of security, trade and investment, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the British Embassy in Manila said over the weekend.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague relayed the UK’s support for the Mindanao peace process during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on the sidelines of the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 27.

“They discussed a range of issues around security, trade and investment, and bilateral and international relations. Mr. Hague also reiterated the UK’s support for the Mindanao peace process,” the UK Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

The UK is a member of the International Contact Group monitoring the progress of the protracted peace talks between the government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front.