Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANILA2081
2007-06-21 09:36:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manila
Cable title:
SECRETARY ROMULO ENGAGES NORTH KOREA ON ARF, SIX
how-toVZCZCXRO1620 OO RUEHDT RUEHPB DE RUEHML #2081 1720936 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 210936Z JUN 07 FM AMEMBASSY MANILA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7078 INFO RUCNARF/ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002081
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP, EAP/MTS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2017
TAGS: PREL PHUM KN RP
SUBJECT: SECRETARY ROMULO ENGAGES NORTH KOREA ON ARF, SIX
PARTY TALKS
Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002081
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP, EAP/MTS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2017
TAGS: PREL PHUM KN RP
SUBJECT: SECRETARY ROMULO ENGAGES NORTH KOREA ON ARF, SIX
PARTY TALKS
Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (U) During a June 16-21 visit to the Republic of Korea,
the People's Republic of China, and the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promote productive participation
in this year's ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila in early
August, Foreign Secretary Romulo met in Pyongyang with Kim
Yong Nam, President of the Supreme People's Assembly and with
recently-appointed Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun. Secretary
Romulo was the first Philippine Foreign Secretary and the
highest ranking Philippine official ever to visit the DPRK,
according to press reports.
2. (C) DFA officials indicated to POLOFF on June 21 that
Romulo intended to reiterate to the North Koreans President
Arroyo's offer to utilize the ASEAN-related meetings in
Manila in late July and early August to conduct a round of
the Six-Party Talks, perhaps at the Ministerial level.
Romulo reportedly added that "the Philippines, in its
capacity as ASEAN chairman, stands ready to extend the
necessary assistance to the Six-Party Talks stakeholders to
help ensure that the process is moved further forward."
North Korean Foreign Minister Pak accepted in principle the
invitation to attend the ARF. DFA officials did not yet have
a more complete read-out on the North Korean responses,
however. Romulo is expected back in Manila on June 22, and
DFA officials promised a fuller read-out as it becomes
available.
3. (C) Comment: The Philippines, both on a bilateral basis
and as ASEAN Chair, is keen to be as helpful as possible in
encouraging the North Koreans in particular, and Six-Party
Talks participants more generally, to make progress on
resolving the North Korean nuclear issue through diplomacy
and dialogue. Romulo reportedly highly appreciated the
opportunity to talk with A/S Hill before Romulo's trip to
Pyongyang, which he undertook despite illness.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
KENNEY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP, EAP/MTS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2017
TAGS: PREL PHUM KN RP
SUBJECT: SECRETARY ROMULO ENGAGES NORTH KOREA ON ARF, SIX
PARTY TALKS
Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (U) During a June 16-21 visit to the Republic of Korea,
the People's Republic of China, and the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promote productive participation
in this year's ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila in early
August, Foreign Secretary Romulo met in Pyongyang with Kim
Yong Nam, President of the Supreme People's Assembly and with
recently-appointed Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun. Secretary
Romulo was the first Philippine Foreign Secretary and the
highest ranking Philippine official ever to visit the DPRK,
according to press reports.
2. (C) DFA officials indicated to POLOFF on June 21 that
Romulo intended to reiterate to the North Koreans President
Arroyo's offer to utilize the ASEAN-related meetings in
Manila in late July and early August to conduct a round of
the Six-Party Talks, perhaps at the Ministerial level.
Romulo reportedly added that "the Philippines, in its
capacity as ASEAN chairman, stands ready to extend the
necessary assistance to the Six-Party Talks stakeholders to
help ensure that the process is moved further forward."
North Korean Foreign Minister Pak accepted in principle the
invitation to attend the ARF. DFA officials did not yet have
a more complete read-out on the North Korean responses,
however. Romulo is expected back in Manila on June 22, and
DFA officials promised a fuller read-out as it becomes
available.
3. (C) Comment: The Philippines, both on a bilateral basis
and as ASEAN Chair, is keen to be as helpful as possible in
encouraging the North Koreans in particular, and Six-Party
Talks participants more generally, to make progress on
resolving the North Korean nuclear issue through diplomacy
and dialogue. Romulo reportedly highly appreciated the
opportunity to talk with A/S Hill before Romulo's trip to
Pyongyang, which he undertook despite illness.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
KENNEY