PH hopes for lasting peace, expresses cautious optimism on US-Iran talks

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government on Thursday expressed hope that the recent agreement between the United States and Iran to hold peace talks would lead to a permanent end to the conflict.

American and Iranian delegations are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, following a two-week ceasefire.

“We hope that the negotiations will lead to a permanent end to the conflict and lasting peace,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

READ: Pakistan to host US-Iran ceasefire talks Friday

The DFA added that it welcomes the US-Iran negotiations with “cautious optimism,” noting the effects of the conflict in the Middle East.

It said: “The conflict has caused significant loss of lives and damage to civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as disruptions in the global economy.”

“The Philippines continues to hope that all parties will resolve differences through earnest dialogue and diplomacy,” the DFA remarked.

READ: Truce seen bringing brief oil price relief

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, killing the Iranian supreme leader. Iran retaliated with a series of attacks on US bases in the Gulf region and on targets in Israel.

With the Gulf region accounting for a large share of the world’s oil supply, petroleum prices in the Philippines have risen significantly since March, affecting key industries such as transport, agriculture, and energy. /dl