Manila: The Philippines reaffirmed its support to the two-state solution, describing it as the 'only viable path' to just and lasting peace as it hosted Palestinian social development minister Samah Hamad in Manila on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro co-chaired with Japan the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD) on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In her opening remarks, Lazaro emphasized Manila's backing of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and its readiness to assist in reconstruction through technical cooperation.
'We have consistently supported the two-state solution, which remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace, with Palestine and Israel coexisting side by side in peace and security,' she stated. Lazaro further highlighted the Philippines' commitment to initiatives promoting the Palestinian right to self-determination, alongside efforts to enhance bilateral partnerships with the State of Palestine.
She also underscored the need for the unhampered delivery of humanitarian assistance into Palestine and reaffirmed Manila's recognition of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Under the CEAPAD framework, the Philippines collaborates closely with Japan to explore potential training opportunities aimed at enhancing capacities in Palestine, focusing on areas such as aquaculture, technical and vocational education training, and migration governance.
On the sidelines of the CEAPAD, Lazaro held a bilateral meeting with Hamad. Since its inception in 2013, the Japan-led CEAPAD has endeavored to foster a conducive environment for the development of a secure and stable Palestinian state through cooperation and knowledge-sharing. The Philippines officially joined CEAPAD on August 8, 2025.
The event in Pasay City was co-chaired with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and saw participation from foreign ministers and high-ranking officials of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Viet Nam, and UNRWA.
