The government has sought safe passage for desperately needed oil shipments in a meeting with Iran, a presidential spokeswoman said on Wednesday, as the import-dependent archipelago jockeys with other regional countries for fuel.
The price of fuel has hit historic highs in the Philippines since the United States – a treaty ally – and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb 28, with Teheran effectively closing the vital Strait of Hormuz to traffic since.
President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency last week, later saying that “nothing was off the table” as the country of 116 million tried to meet its need for fuel.
On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said she had explored “key avenues for cooperation” in a meeting with Iranian ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh that included the Philippines’ energy secretary.
Presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro later told reporters that Lazaro had sought safe passage through the strait for oil shipments bound for the Philippines.
“Secretary Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate (the Philippines) as a ‘non-hostile country’ and ensure safe passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments,” Castro told reporters via messaging app.
“This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply.”
She added the Iranian ambassador had been “awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests”.
Wednesday’s meeting between the Philippines and Iran comes just days after Malaysia announced its tankers would be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without paying any toll to Teheran. — AFP
