British Foreign Secretary congratulates parties in Philippines on successful negotiation of comprehensive peace agreement

British Foreign Secretary congratulates parties in Philippines on successful negotiation of comprehensive peace agreement William Hague welcomes comprehensive peace agreement in the Philippines and encourages quick and full implementation by all parties The British Foreign Secretary William Hague sent a message of congratulations to the Philippines on 25 January: "The successful conclusion of negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for a comprehensive peace agreement is a significant step towards lasting peace and development for Mindanao. Ending the long-running conflict will not just benefit the region, including Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao, but is vital for the security and economic development of the Philippines as a whole. After the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda, this positive news is all the more welcome. "Through the UK's membership of the International Contact Group we have witnessed the leadership and commitment of President Aquino and the courage and sincerity of the Leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The UK is honoured to have been able to support the parties and Tengku Dato' Abdul Ghafar the Malaysian facilitator during the process. "As we know from our own experience, many of the most difficult challenges will emerge as the parties work towards implementing the agreement. But the courage and leadership shown by the parties gives great hope that these can be overcome and we are ready to provide whatever further support we can to help the people of Moro and the Philippines recover from this devastating conflict." Notes for Editors The UK has been instrumental in helping to achieve progress in the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The UK has shared conflictresolution expertise and attended the talks as a member of the International Contact Group supporting the talks. This includes Japan Saudi Arabia and Turkey as well as four international NGOs. Mindanao in the southern Philippines (and in particular Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago that extends out towards Borneo), is the heartland of Philippines' five million Muslims, also known as Moros or Bangsamoros. Separatist rebels have been engaged in armed conflict with the Philippine state since the late 1960s.