Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release Regarding the Results of the 43rd Round of Peace Talks

between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

25 January 2014

We welcome the successful completion of the work on the Annexes to the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (FAB) signed on 15 October 2012, between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), at the 43rd Round of negotiations. Turkey, as a member of the International Contact Group, congratulates the Parties for their constructive attitude throughout the negotiation process that has made this development possible which constitutes an important milestone towards the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The contribution of facilitator Tengku Dato Ab GhafarBin Tengku Mohamed in the attainment of this result is also commendable. Our expectation is that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement will be signed without delay and that the timetable regarding the creation of the Bangsamoro Political Entity in 2016 will proceed as envisaged . We invite all stakeholders to work together in this direction. Turkey, believing in the importance of mediation for the prevention and solution of conflicts, will continue to support the next phases of the Southern Philippines Peace Process.