By Genalyn D. Kabiling
A high-level Philippine team is scheduled to visit Kuwait next week to try to normalize the country’s relations with the Gulf state.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and presidential spokesperson Harry Roque will be part of the delegation that will travel to Kuwait on May 7 amid the diplomatic row over the rescue of distressed Filipinos in Kuwait.
“Ang inaasahan naman natin po siyempre, makakatulong tayo sa pag-normalize ng ating pagsasama,” Roque said over government radio. “At inaasahan pa rin natin ay iyong MoA na mapipirmahan nang tayo po ay makabalik na sa normal na relasyon diyan sa ating kaibigan na Kuwait,” he added, referring to the proposed agreement providing additional protection for Filipino workers in Kuwait.
President Duterte recently decided to halt his tirades against Kuwait, citing talks to resolve a simmering diplomatic row.
Duterte, in his Labor Day address in Cebu City last Tuesday, said he was pursuing a “soft landing” approach on the conflict with Kuwait, admitting there was “so much” at stake.
“I’m not going to attack because we have ongoing talks,” the President said in Visayan.”I’ve decided not to add to anything because they are still there. So it’s just soft landing for me, just soft landing. I’m not going to carelessly give remarks because so much is at stake,” he added.