DFA chief meets with EU envoys
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met behind closed doors with European Union (EU) Ambassador Franz Jessen and other envoys from EU-member countries on Friday, weeks after President Duterte rejected a 250-million euro (P13.92 billion) aid package from the bloc.
No specific details were divulged about the two and a half hour meeting, which took place at the Department of Foreign Affairs, except that it was an “honest dialogue” about the long relations between the Philippines and the EU.
A statement from the EU delegation did not make reference to Duterte’s rejection of EU aid programs, but stated the discussion with Cayetano was “to have an open, friendly but honest dialogue on ensuring long historical relations are maintained and strengthened.”
The meeting was followed by lunch. Ambassadors Gordon Kricke of Germany, Jossef Bencze of Hungary, Luis Antonio Calvo Castaño of Spain and Harald Fries of Sweden were present, as well as EU head of cooperation and trade sections, deputy speaker and Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, the sister of Secretary Cayetano.
The officials said the lunch was “in good Filipino tradition,” and thanked Rep. Pia “for bringing education and delicious cake to the table.”
Last month, Duterte turned down development aid from the EU, saying it “may be used as the reason for interfering in the internal affairs of the country.”
The President also challenged the US and the EU to pull their aid to the Philippines in October last year, due to concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings in the government’s drug war.
In an earlier interview, Secretary Cayetano said Duterte would refuse any aid that would impact the administration’s war on drugs. The EU, however, said the grants would have been allocated to Muslim communities.
EU, China offer solidarity
The EU and the Chinese government have also extended condolences to the Philippines following the deadly attack that killed 38 people at Resorts World Manila past midnight on Friday.
In a statement, the EU said it stands in solidarity with the Filipino people following the attack.
“Our sincere condolences go to the families and friends of those who were killed and to the government of the Philippines, and we wish a quick recovery to those who were injured.”
During a press conference in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said they are closely monitoring the developments in the attack.
“We mourn for the victims and express sympathy with the injured. It is believed that the Philippine side will properly handle the case,” Hua said.
“We are still trying to verify whether Chinese citizens were hurt or killed in this unfortunate incident. The Chinese side is in close communication with the Philippine side on that.”
The governments of the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have also expressed sympathy to the Philippines through their respective ambassadors.