C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 004616

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2016
TAGS: PREL APEC ASEAN KN BM RP
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ARROYO ON REGIONAL STRATEGIC ISSUES

Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed
satisfaction to Ambassador during a private dinner on
November 6 that the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit in
Nanning had led to a strong consensus about North Korea, She
said that she had insisted to fellow ASEAN members that North
Korea was the region's "biggest security challenge" and was
"our problem." She noted that soon thereafter the North
Koreans had agreed to return to the Six Party Talks, and
commented that "ASEAN delivers." She promised to use her
term as ASEAN Chair next to focus on Burma. The Ambassador
expressed appreciation for President Arroyo's strong
leadership, which she pledged to continue.


2. (C) The Ambassador noted that President Bush planned to
meet with ASEAN leaders attending the APEC Leaders' summit in
Hanoi, as well as to have a short, separate, more private
discussion with President Arroyo. President Arroyo said that
she hoped to discuss counterterrorism operations within the
Philippines, ASEAN support for Six Party efforts on North
Korea, Burma, and revitalization of the Doha Round when she
meets with the President. She expressed great satisfaction
that Foreign Secretary Romulo would separately have the
opportunity to meet with Secretary Rice. The Ambassador
encouraged President Arroyo and Foreign Secretary Romulo to
keep their focus on these key strategic issues during these
important meetings.

Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
KENNEY