{"id":240615,"date":"2019-12-22T00:02:50","date_gmt":"2019-12-22T05:02:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=240615"},"modified":"2019-12-22T00:06:50","modified_gmt":"2019-12-22T05:06:50","slug":"ph-tunisia-vow-closer-cooperation-for-displaced-ofws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2019\/12\/22\/ph-tunisia-vow-closer-cooperation-for-displaced-ofws\/","title":{"rendered":"PH, Tunisia vow closer cooperation for displaced OFWs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Considering its strategic location, Tunisia, along with Malta and Egypt, has become a major exit point for Filipinos going out of Libya. (Pixabay photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MANILA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 The Philippines and Tunisia have agreed to bolster their cooperation in addressing the plight of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Malaca\u00f1ang said on Saturday.<\/p>\n

This developed after Chief Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Relations Robert Borje paid a courtesy call on Tunisian Acting Foreign Minister Sabri Bachtobji in Tunis on Friday, the Palace said in a press statement.<\/p>\n

During his meeting with Bachtobji, Borje relayed President Rodrigo Duterte\u2019s message, which focuses on lauding the Tunisian government for its vital role in assisting his administration\u2019s efforts to repatriate Filipinos affected by the escalating violence in North Africa, particularly in Libya.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough his representative, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to Tunisia for assisting Filipinos exiting Libya,\u201d Malaca\u00f1ang said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe President also wants to work with Tunisia not only on the issues of migrant workers but also on security aiming to achieve deeper relations despite the distance,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n

Considering its strategic location, Tunisia, along with Malta and Egypt, has become a major exit point for Filipinos going out of Libya.<\/p>\n

In 2019, around 142 Filipinos from the war-torn north African state have been repatriated by the Philippine government.<\/p>\n

However, there are still 2,300 OFWs in Tripoli, despite the Duterte administration\u2019s call for a mandatory evacuation.<\/p>\n

Bachtobji said that on top of Tunisia\u2019s initiatives in addressing the condition of distressed migrants, it could also play a significant role in achieving global security and stability, once it serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.<\/p>\n

Borje, in response, said the Philippines will continue supporting Tunisia when it becomes a member-state of the UN security body for two years beginning January 2020.<\/p>\n

\u201cActing Foreign Minister Bachtobji said it is very important for the Philippines and Tunisia to work together, stressing it was Tunisia\u2019s duty to assist distressed citizens, including Filipinos, fleeing conflict,\u201d the Palace said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth recognized the long-standing cooperation between the Philippines and Tunisia to assist distressed Filipinos displaced by instability and strife in nearby countries. Both also agreed on the need for the Philippines and Tunisia to continue working closely to further enhance mechanisms of assistance,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n

Economic, security cooperation eyed<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a separate press statement, Malaca\u00f1ang said the two countries agreed to further step up its cooperation in the fields of economy and security, as well as culture and history, as they prepare for the commemoration of their 45th anniversary of bilateral relations next year.<\/p>\n

Borje told Bachtobji that Duterte considers regional and global security as a \u201cmajor agenda,\u201d especially after the Philippine troops\u2019 victory against Islamic State (IS) – linked Maute terror group that laid siege to Marawi City on May 23, 2017.<\/p>\n

\u201cPresident Duterte is aware of the continuing threats posed by ISIS (IS of Iraq and Syria) in Southeast Asia and the larger Asia-Pacific region,\u201d Malaca\u00f1ang said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Philippine leader believes that ISIS can only be defeated through intensified functional cooperation between and among countries and regions, according to Borje,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n

As a member of the UN Security Council, Tunisia is expected to achieve global security and stability by combating terrorism.<\/p>\n

Malaca\u00f1ang said improved ties between the two nations are seen as the two countries celebrate their 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Tunisia started in December 1975. Their close relation was manifested in the assistance provided by the Tunisian government towards Filipino migrant workers during the height of the crisis in Libya.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth the Philippines and Tunisia are firming up plans for the milestone anniversary commemoration in 2020,\u201d the Palace said. \u201cThe Philippine embassy in Tripoli, Libya, which has jurisdiction over Tunisia, identified key areas of cooperation to include trade and investment, security, cultural exchanges, as well as tourism.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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