MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte assured Kuwait that the Philippines respects the Gulf state’s sovereign rights and the dignity of its people.
On Monday night, the President discussed concerns on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) among many others with Kuwaiti Ambassador Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh in Davao City.
There are about 250,000 Filipinos working in Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti government recently summoned Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa to explain the consular staff’s rescue of overseas Filipino workers, a video of which had made its rounds on the Internet.
Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque described the viral video as an “unnecessary aggravation.”
He acknowledged that “the video showing Philippine authorities operating in the territory of Kuwait will be offensive to the concept of sovereignty.”
“Kuwait could be offended because you have police authorities operating in their territory,” said Roque.
Citing the President’s meeting with Saleh, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued this statement: “We also agreed to continue to work together to address matters of mutual concern and will update the public of developments. We, however, would like to appeal for the public’s kind understanding as we ask for some diplomatic space to allow us to continue our engagement with our Kuwaiti counterparts.”
DFA expressed optimism that the dialogue between Duterte and Sareh would resolve the “remaining issues” with Kuwait.
On April 12, Duterte said he may visit Kuwait to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding that would guarantee protection to OFWs in the Gulf state.
In February, Duterte suspended the deployment of new Filipino workers to Kuwait following the death of domestic helper Joanna Demafelis and seven others there.
“I might go to Kuwait for the signing. I’ve made so many demands before we sign a contract. In fairness to the Kuwaiti government, pumayag sila,” the Chief Executive said in a speech during a visit in Hong Kong early this month.
Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Secretary Silvestre Bello III of the Department of Labor and Employment, Secretary Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Office and other DFA officials joined the President during the meeting with Saleh.
Roque said the President and Saleh “parted on a positive note” on Monday.
“Iyong mga hindi pagkakaintindihan siguro, alam niyo kung ano iyon, iyung pinoprotesta ng Kuwait, I think naayos naman ni Presidente ang sigalot na ‘yan. Minor lang naman,” said Roque./PN
