RP, North Korea agree on energy cooperation

The Philippines and North Korea have agreed to cooperate in the field of energy, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

DFA spokesman Claro Cristobal said in a press briefing that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-Chun expressed readiness for bilateral cooperation in several areas, including energy development, information technology and cultural exchanges.

“The expression as to specific areas for future cooperation came from both sides. It was Minister Pak who indicated that (North Korea) is succeeding in developing cooperative arrangements with the Philippines in those areas,” Cristobal said.

The Philippines and North Korea also signed yesterday an agreement establishing a mechanism for consultation in the political, economic and cultural fields that are expected to further deepen bilateral ties.

Cristobal said that the agreement provides a regular forum for the Philippines and North Korea to discuss and improve diplomatic relations on a broad range of issues.

Romulo and Pak signed the agreement at the sidelines of the 40th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial Meetings (AMM), Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) and 14th Asean Regional Forum (ARF) at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Romulo welcomed the accord, saying it solidifies the relations between the Philippines and North Korea.

“The agreement builds on our current efforts to solidify our relations with DPRK. It is also a concrete proof of both the Philippines and DPRK’s commitment and desire to further intensify our cooperation on mutual concerns,” he said.

“Through this agreement, our two countries give full and clear expression to our shared hopes and aspirations for the welfare of our peoples, and for peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Pak described the landmark agreement as an important phase in the bilateral relations of the two countries.

“Our cooperation is moving from strength to strength,” said Pak, who had earlier assured Romulo of his country’s participation in the ARF and to its successful conclusion.

He announced that he will direct the DPRK Foreign Ministry to work closely with the DFA for the signing of a cultural agreement.

The North Korean foreign minister also reacted positively to Romulo’s call for the continuation and success of the Six Party Talks that aims to stop the DPRK’s nuclear weapons program.

The members of the Six Party Talks—DPRK, South Korea, China, Japan, the United States and Russia—will also be attending the Post Ministerial Conferences and the 14th  ASEAN Regional Forum.

Romulo said North Korea’s continued participation in the Six Party Talks is an indication that the DPRK is committed to further broaden the frontiers of peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our bilateral agreement with one of our new emerging partners bolsters our region’s collective efforts for greater peace, progress and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific,” Romulo said. – With AFP