Sharing the details of the bilateral meeting, Malacanyan Palace Spokesperson Claire Castro said Foreign Minister Maria Teresa Lazaro stressed that such a status has been achieved. «It is vital to protecting our seafarers and our energy supply.».

Dexter Cabals., Philippines Daily Inquirer

Source: Source: asianews.network

Philippine Foreign Ministry Calls on Iran to Recognize Philippines «friendly» despite close defense ties with the United States to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-flagged ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

The request was made at a meeting between Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro, Energy Minister Sharon Garin and Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Youssef Esmailzadeh on Wednesday, presidential palace spokeswoman Claire Castro said.

Sharing the details of the bilateral meeting, Castro noted that Lazaro stressed: «It is vital to protecting our seafarers and our energy supply.».

The Department of Energy is finalizing the details for «forwarding» information about the relevant courts.

Lazaro is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi on Thursday to personally seek these assurances at the highest level.

Castro: Iran says that «expected» Communication from the Philippines

According to Castro, Esmailzadeh said Tehran «I looked forward to our appeal and reiterated my strong desire to assist the Philippines with our specific requests.».

Manila agreed to send all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite their processing.

«The meeting took place in an exceptionally warm and open atmosphere. Given the stated willingness to cooperate, we are very optimistic about the favorable outcome.». — Castro said.

On Wednesday, the Philippine foreign minister said that Manila intends to «deepen cooperation» Iran, especially in the energy sector, as the import-dependent archipelago competes with other countries in the region for badly needed oil.

Fuel prices in the Philippines hit historic highs after the U.S. treaty ally and Israel struck Iran on February 28, leading to the partial closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered officials to hold talks with Iran to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers bound for the Philippines through the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of an imminent end.

Castro said the talks with Iran were proposed on Monday at a meeting of the Unified Programme Committee on Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport convened by Marcos.

The committee is headed by the president; it was created after Marcos signed a decree declaring a state of emergency in the country's energy sector.