Push Admin

PH to find points of convergence on N. Korea tests: DFA

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/overseas/04/05/040517_nk.jpg"/><figcaption>A North Korean flag flies on a mast at the Permanent Mission of North Korea in Geneva. Reuters</figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA- As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the Philippines vows to find points of convergence on issues affecting the regional bloc, particularly the threat of North Korea’s missile tests.</p><p>Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Robespierre Bolivar is optimistic that the ASEAN Regional Forum which will be held in Manila on Monday, can serve as a platform for nations to discuss concerns over Pyongyang’s missile tests.</p><p>“As chair, we have to make sure that all voices around the table are heard, but also to try to find points of convergence between the views of the various actors,&quot; he said in an interview on ANC’s Early Edition.</p><p>Twenty-seven countries including Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea, and the US will meet on Monday for the regional forum.</p><p>North Korea&#x27;s vice foreign minister <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/26/17/north-korean-delegation-visits-manila-ahead-of-regional-security-meeting">visited</a> Manila last week ahead of the regional security meeting, where Pyongyang is expected to face pressure to halt its intermediate-range missile tests.</p><p>Bolivar added that Foreign Affairs Chief Alan Peter Cayetano can sum up points of agreement during the meeting for a guideline on how the region plans to address North Korea&#x27;s threat.</p><p>&quot;As chair, Secretary Cayetano will be able to sum up any points of agreement he believes is coming out of the dialogue so that in itself is a very useful mechanism so that we have an identification of hopefully, ways to move it forward,” he said.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TUCG9f6nep0" width="560"></iframe></figure><p>Bolivar earlier said that concerns over North Korea&#x27;s ballistic missile tests will &quot;definitely&quot; be discussed during the meetings and noted that the Philippines considers the threat as a &quot;very serious concern.&quot;</p><p>The DFA official also noted that President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/08/02/17/duterte-calls-north-koreas-kim-a-fool-over-nuclear-ambitions">criticisms</a> of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un increases the momentum for the upcoming talks.</p><p>“He’s (Duterte) frustrated with what the North Korean regime keeps on doing and again, coupled with his folksy style of communication,” Bolivar said.</p><p>Duterte last Wednesday called Kim a &quot;fool&quot; and a &quot;son of a bitch,&quot; saying the latter’s “chubby face” only looks “kind” but that the leader must be stopped.</p><p>The United States on Thursday <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/08/03/17/us-calls-on-all-countries-to-downgrade-ties-with-n-korea">called</a> upon all countries to &quot;downgrade&quot; ties with North Korea as foreign ministers gather in Manila for the regional meeting.</p><div><strong>-with a report from Reuters</strong></div>

<p>MANILA- As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the Philippines vows to find points of convergence on issues affecting the regional bloc, particularly the threat of North Korea’s missile tests.</p>

MANILA- As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the Philippines vows to find points of convergence on issues affecting the regional bloc, particularly the threat of North Korea’s missile tests.