PH needed in int’l anti-terror talks

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 28): PH needed in int’l anti-terror talks

The Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia should not be left out as the Middle East starts to find a “win-win solution” amid the growing threat of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a top official here said.

Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the need to include Southeast Asia in the discussion and crafting of solutions to combat the threat of terrorism and extremism.

“This is extremely important. Fundamentally things that are happening in the Middle East have an impact on countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, et cetera,” Gargash told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.

He then admitted that the inclusion of Southeast Asia in the Middle East discussion for solution against terrorism and extremism is yet to be explored.

“I don’t think we are exploring it in detail. I think this is one of the challenges,” he said.

So far, most of the interaction of the Middle East with Southeast Asia, according to him, is more on energy and labor-related.

“We need to also have an interaction that is political — political vis-à-vis terrorism and extremism because there are things that are happening here that are radicalizing influence also in your region,” said Gargash.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-needed-in-intl-anti-terror-talks/