Since the beginning of the conflict, the Security Council has struggled to speak with one voice, as the United States used its veto power several times
world4 days ago
With Kuwait's visa ban on Filipinos still in place, the southeast Asian country's president on Friday spoke about what the government plans to do next to improve the situation.
Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr told local media that his team will continue negotiating with the Gulf country, dismissing suggestions that a "total deployment ban" should be imposed in response to the deadlock.
Kuwait had suspended all types of visas issued to Filipinos — including tourist, employment, and business visas — since May 10.
The Gulf state said the ban was imposed due to the Philippine government's alleged violations of bilateral agreement — including forcing employment offices in Kuwait to recall Filipino housemaids and workers from the houses of Kuwaiti citizens and lodging them at private residences; forcing employment offices to locate escapees from Kuwaiti employers; among others.
Marcos, however, stressed that as far as the Philippines is concerned, no violations have been committed.
"We couldn't reach an agreement because they are saying we have violated their rules, but we don't see any violations. This is why we have come to this situation," the president told local media in Filipino.
At this point, he said, all the Philippines could do is to "react to the situation as it is".
“I don’t want to burn any bridges… and I think the proper reaction is to take the decision of the Kuwaiti government to no longer issue new visas,” Marcos was quoted as saying in local media reports.
The Philippines, he added, will just leave the issue open for now. "We will continue to negotiate with them, we will continue to consult with them, hoping that down the road, the situation will improve and allow our workers to head for their jobs in Kuwait."
ALSO READ:
Since the beginning of the conflict, the Security Council has struggled to speak with one voice, as the United States used its veto power several times
world4 days ago
Super Heavy unexpectedly splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of returning to land
world4 days ago
The 19-year-old dreamt of competing abroad, and said she wanted to be like Ronaldo and Messi
world4 days ago
Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world5 days ago
This will be his first visit since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia around three years ago
world5 days ago
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world5 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world6 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world6 days ago