PRESIDENT ARROYO ON REGIONAL STRATEGIC ISSUES

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