00:00The Philippines is seeking safe passage for its vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the Middle
00:07East.
00:07Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro met with the Iranian ambassador to Manila, Yousef Esmailzadeh,
00:14to request that Iran designate the Philippines as a non-hostile country.
00:18The move aims to protect Filipino seafarers and secure the country's oil supply.
00:23The request comes as Iran partially closes the key shipping route,
00:26affecting global fuel deliveries and raising concerns over the Philippines' energy supply,
00:31which is now projected to last only until the end of June.
00:34Lazaro is also expected to take up the request with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakji
00:39to secure a high-level commitment as the Philippines faces mounting energy concerns under a national energy emergency.
00:47Iran has expressed willingness to assist,
00:50with both sides agreeing to fast-track discussions through diplomatic channels.
00:53officials say they remain optimistic that the talks will ensure continued fuel access
00:58and safe passage for Philippine vessels.
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