MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines welcomed "with cautious optimism," the upcoming peace talks between the United States and Iran which will be facilitated by Pakistan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
"We hope that the negotiations will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace," the DFA said in a statement late Wednesday.
"The conflict has caused significant loss of lives and damage to civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as disruptions in the global economy," it added.
The Philippines, the DFA said, "continues to hope that all parties will resolve their differences through earnest dialogue and diplomacy."