Mideast trips will bring peace to Mindanao, says Arroyo

CEBU, Philippines – President Gloria Arroyo said her recent trips to Egypt and Syria will bring peace and benefits to Mindanao.

Arroyo, in answering one of the questions of in yesterday's one-on-one exclusive interview with GMA News anchor Bobby Nalzaro at the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, said that the peace is always a commitment to Mindanao.

“Kauban ang tanan sa efforts dili lang ang atong gobyerno, apil usab ang uban nasud,” Arroyo said.

She said her recent visits to Egypt and Syria were successful as she was able to entice Muslims to invest for the rehabilitation of peace.

She said she already received investment and peace support from other Muslim countries like Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia.

Egypt she said, is the headquarters of the Arab link while Syria was the host of the Organization of Foreign Councils Meeting.

She said the Philippines recently opened an embassy in Syria.

Arroyo said the Middle East has helped the country's economy by providing jobs to Filipino workers.

She said she was able to get the commitment of the Alkarajih Group to be among the “Billion Dollar Club” investors in the country.

She said the Alkarajih expressed interest to put up an investment in Clark while another Middle East investor wants Bataan or Batangas.

She said there was also a Saudi Arabian resident who was guided in Mindanao and will hopefully invest there to provide livelihood. – Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)