Chair of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Rep. Ron P. Salo with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh. Photo: Office of Rep. Salo
IN support of the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Chair of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Rep. Ron P. Salo engaged in a crucial dialogue with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh on the 4 Filipino seafarers who are part of the crew of MSC Aries seized by Iranian Navy in the Strait of Hormuz on April 14.
During the dialogue, Ambassador Zadeh assured Salo that the welfare of the four Filipino seafarers aboard is taken care of. Ambassador Zadeh has emphasized Iran’s support on the welfare of Filipino seafarers, noting the good relations that exist between the people and the government of the Philippines and that of Iran.
The Ambassador’s assurances to Salo followed similar commitments made to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Enrique Manalo and Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega in a preceding meeting.
“I am grateful for the Iranian government’s assurance that our kababayans are being well-taken care of, with facilities established to allow them to contact their families,” Salo acknowledged.
“Repatriating our fellow countrymen is of paramount importance and requires a collective, whole-of-government effort. We, in the House of Representatives, are committed in reinforcing the initiatives already being undertaken by the Executive branch,” Salo added.
In the context of the ship’s seizure, Ambassador Esmaeil Zadeh underscored the importance of the shipowner’s cooperation with the Iranian government, noting that the action was based on a judicial order from an Iranian court. The KABAYAN Partylist Representative expressed understanding of the legalities involved and emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement to facilitate a swift and fair resolution.
Further, Ambassador Esmaeil Zadeh assured that should the Filipino seafarers opt for repatriation once the issues are already threshed-out, Iran would facilitate and expedite their safe return home.
Concluding the meeting, Ambassador Zadeh invited Salo to Tehran for an official visit to meet with Iranian legislative members, once the situation normalizes.
“I am eager for the opportunity to visit Tehran when tensions in the region subside. Engaging with my legislative counterparts is a bridge towards greater mutual understanding and cooperation, which is crucial during these challenging times,” said Salo.
