MANILA, Philippines- Tiniyak ni incoming Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro na magpapatuloy ang diplomasiya at foreign policy ng bansa sa Tsina kahit pa pinag-usapan na ang maritime disputes sa rehiyon.
Sa pagsasalita sa mga mamamahayag sa sidelines ng photo exhibit para markahan ang ika-50 taon ng Philippine-China relations, inilatag ng kasalukuyang DFA undersecretary for bilateral relations at ASEAN affairs ang plano na ituloy ang anumang nasimulan ni DFA Secretary at incoming Philippine Representative to the United Nations Enrique Manalo.
“If you’re talking about political sense, as far as foreign affairs, foreign policy and diplomacy, I think that’s not a problem. There’s no challenges, there’s no difficulties,” ang sinabi ni Lazaro.
Sa kabila ng mga hamon sa relasyon ng Tsina sa bansa, binigyang-diin ni Lazaro na “we have to continue to move on.”
“This is a perfect example of people-to-people relationship and we just have to look into the positive areas, but you know, the political part, the maritime issues, that’s something that is being dealt with bilaterally. So we will continue. There are challenges but we have to continue to move on,” aniya pa rin.
Para naman kay Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian, malugod nitong tinanggap ang pagkakatalaga kay Lazaro bilang bagong hepe ng DFA. Tinukoy ang “valuable” communication na ginawa nito sa Chinese officials.
“As I said, she is enjoying a very valuable communication with her Chinese counterparts Of course, it’s my honor to be in charge of communication with her Incoming Secretary Lazaro,” ang sinabi pa rin ni Huang sa isang media interview.
Sa Facebook, ibinahagi ni Huang ang pagbisita ni Lazaro sa Bahay Tsinoy.
“Glad to join DFA USec Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and her team at Bahay Tsinoy! We embarked on a meaningful journey through the rich history and culture of Filipino-Chinese communities. Let’s work side by side toward an even brighter future of bilateral relations,” ang isinulat ni Huang, habang ibinahagi ang mga larawan ng incoming DFA chief at iba pang opisyal.
Ang pagkakatalaga kay Lazaro bilang DFA secretary ay nangyari ilang buwan bago pa nasungkit ng Pilipinas ang ASEAN chairship sa 2026.
Nakatakda namang upuan ni Lazaro ang kanyang bagong posisyon sa DFA sa Hulyo 31. Kris Jose
