00:00The Department of Foreign Affairs, or DFA, has formally requested Iran to designate the Philippines as a non-hostile country.
00:07This to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
00:13The move comes as fuel prices in the country reached historic highs following the eruption of conflict between Iran and
00:20the U.S. and Israel forces,
00:22which then forced a partial closure of the said waterway.
00:25DFA Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro made the request during a Wednesday meeting with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmail
00:33Zadeh and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
00:36Ambassador Esmail Zadeh reportedly reaffirmed Tehran's strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests.
00:43Secretary Lazaro is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aradshi this Thursday, April 2, to personally secure these
00:52commitments at the highest level.
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