Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday pledged his country's full support behind the Mindanao peace process, particularly the task of disarming the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
During a luncheon in Malacañang, Davutoglu said he had already directed senior Turkish diplomat Haydar Berk to focus on the disarmament process, which was stated in the peace pact signed by the Philippine government and the MILF.
Berk chairs the Independent Decommissioning Body, composed of foreign experts to help in the process of disarming the MILF. Diplomats from Brunei and Norway are also part of the panel.
"I have instructed him [Berk] to stay in the Philippines and if needed, don't come back to Turkey until you finish this job," the Turkish leader quipped during the luncheon hosted by the Philippine government, drawing laughter from officials from both countries.
Davutoglu, who is in his first official visit to the Philippines, likewise praised the Aquino government's "very wise, visionary approach to integrate all the country for the same objective of peace, stability and prosperity."
"Turkey will always be at your side in this very important initiative. We are proud that you invited us to be part of this process," the prime minister said.
Last September, President Benigno Aquino III personally submitted to Congress the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, which seeks to create a new political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The measure is currently undergoing committee deliberations at both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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