GERMAN legislators backed the peace and development initiatives of the Duterte administration, particularly the socioeconomic interventions, in peace agreements signed with various rebel groups.
“We wish you all the success, because it could be a very good time, not just for the Philippines, but for the reason to sit together; and this can be a positive sign that could help end conflict,” said German parliamentarian Dr. Thomas Gambke, who visited the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
During their meeting with OPAPP officials, Germany committed to support the government’s peace and development efforts. Germany is one of the four largest bilateral donors to the Philippines alongside Japan, United States of America, Australia, and Canada.
Gambke, who is also chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nation States, was joined by other German lawmakers Petra Ernstberger, Caren Lay, Elvira Drobinski-Weiss, Erwin Rüddel, Gordon Kricke and Michael Hasper.
OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace Accords Nabil Tan told the German parliamentarians that there is a need to manage expectations. “Peace process is not a destination as to when we can conclude, but it is a journey.”
“The President has expressed strong will to honor peace agreements and reduce level of violence so that the poverty-alleviation and development programs can be implemented while talks are there,” he added.
Peace Secretary Jesus G. Dureza was in Oslo, Norway for another round of formal talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front.
The German Federal Government’s current development initiatives in the country include poverty reduction and conflict transformation efforts in Mindanao.