Yasay: Independent foreign policy does not signify breaking alliances

MANILA, Philippines — Pursuing an independent foreign policy does not signify destroying alliances or making enemies, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said during the celebration of the United Nations (UN) Day on Monday evening.

The Philippines' top diplomat stressed that the country will pursue what is best for its national interests in accordance with international law.

"To be able to hold on to one’s own, while simultaneously exercising flexibility and striking a strategic balance between converging or conflicting interests, form the bases of a foreign policy that is independent and pragmatic," Yasay said in his speech at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

Yasay stressed that the Philippines will continue to expand partnerships and prioritize its own interests like other nations.

Yasay: The Philippines, like any sovereign nation, will pursue what is best for its national interests. #UNDayPH #UNDay2016 pic.twitter.com/46lzXXPxSf

— Pat Viray (@patriciaviray) October 25, 2016

"It is the sovereign right of a country to make its own choices in accordance with its own realities, own compelling urgent needs while seeking common ground for possible collaboration with its friends, neighbors or partners despite differences or disputes that may exist," the Foreign Affairs secretary said.

The Philippines will continue to engage the international community within the framework of the guiding principles of the UN, Yasay said.

He reminded the UN to continue to be a platform where nations can think through common challenges and act collectively for effective solutions.

"We will not waver amidst mounting frustrations and disappointments in the perceived failures of the United Nations, which are reflective of the inherent weaknesses of systems
and mechanisms that fall short of addressing various world problems and concerns," Yasay said.

"Let us continue to hope for the best when the United Nations asserts its role to unite, not divide, us – for a world marked by peace, freedom, equality, and human dignity as we forge ahead towards a shared future that works for all," the Foreign Affairs chief concluded.

On June 26, 1945, the Philippines signed the charter of the UN, becoming a founding member of the union. The UN currently has 193 member states.

Yasay further noted that the Philippines signed the charter even before the country's independence from the United States.

Last August, Duterte threatened to withdraw membership from the UN following criticisms over his administration's anti-narcotics campaign.

The president made the statement after UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard suggested that Philippine officials could be liable for the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.

Duterte later on clarified that he was only joking when he threatened to pull out the Philippines from the UN.

The Philippines has officially sent an invitation to Callamard to come to the country to look into allegations of extrajudicial and vigilante killings of suspected drug dealers and users.