World leaders congratulate Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - World leaders and diplomats yesterday congratulated president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and vice president-elect Jejomar Binay after they were formally proclaimed by Congress as the winners of the May 10 elections.             

They expressed intentions to continue their strong ties with the Philippines and are optimistic that the next administration can bring greater stability and development to the country. 

British Prime Minister David Ca-meron, who won the United Kingdom election also last month, affirmed the strong bilateral relations between the UK and the Philippines and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation between the two nations.                                                                       

“As we both start our terms in office, I look forward to strengthening our cooperation in tackling the global economic crisis, working for peace and stability in the southern Philippines and advancing respect for human rights in Southeast Asia,” Cameron said.                                 

British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie likewise expressed the UK’s interest in maintaining close ties with the Philippines.                                                             

“Both our countries have recently held general elections. We are both beginning new chapters in our political lives. That provides an excellent opportunity to open a new chapter in UK-RP relations and to strengthen further our friendly ties and co-operation,” Lillie said.                                               

Lillie had already personally congratulated Aquino along with ambassadors of member states of the European Union last May 31. During that meeting, Aquino assured them that he will address the peace and order situation in Mindanao. The United Kingdom is part of the International Contact Group created by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to help move the peace talks forward. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his greetings in a letter delivered yesterday to Aquino.  “On behalf of the government and people of Canada, I am honored to congratulate Senator Aquino, president-elect of the Philippines,” Harper said in the letter.