MANILA, Philippines -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro called on all countries to uphold international law, particularly the respect for sovereignty amid the war in the Middle East.
Lazaro underscored the need for the "peaceful resolution of disputes, refraining from the threat or use of force, and cooperation within an established and robust multilateral system.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said she renewed the Philippines’ call for all parties to the ongoing conflict to "de-escalate and resolve their differences through diplomacy and dialogue."
Lazaro said the Philippines is committed to enhancing its relations with Muslim partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
She made the assurance on Thursday when she hosted a lunch reception for Muslim heads of diplomatic missions in the Philippines to celebrate Eid’l Fitr, which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The DFA said Lazaro emphasized the "universal values of compassion, empathy, and unity that are shared by other faiths and cultures in the world."
She said that Eid’l Fitr is a national holiday in the Philippines to give importance to the Muslim population, mostly in Mindanao and in the Bangsamoro region."
The DFA said it "traditionally hosts the Eid’l Fitr reception to keep with its tradition of expressing solidarity and brotherhood with the Muslim members of the diplomatic corps and the larger Muslim community."
