Ambassador-Designate Josel F. Ignacio welcomes AALCO Secretary General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol at the Chancery

NEW DELHI, January 25 – Recently arrived Philippine Ambassador-Designate Josel F. Ignacio received Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) Secretary General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol on the latter’s introductory call at the Chancery.

An inter-governmental organization founded in 1956, the AALCO serves as advisory body and forum for cooperation for its 48 Member States on international law and legal matters of common concern. The Philippines rejoined the organization in 2019.

Secretary General Pinitpuvadol briefed the Ambassador-Designate on AALCO’s work and ongoing initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the unremitting support of the Philippine Government and its Embassy in New Delhi, which currently chairs the body’s Subcommittee of Liaison Officers that comprehensively reviews Member States’ assessed scales of contributions.

Ambassador-Designate Ignacio thanked the AALCO Chief for initiating the meeting and reaffirmed Philippine support for AALCO and its valuable work. He acknowledged AALCO’s contributions over the years in privileging and distilling Member States’ views on legal issues, including emerging topics in international law, and helping mainstream these in the deliberations of the UN and other major international bodies.

The Ambassador pointed out the convergence of priorities between AALCO and the Philippines, in areas such as the law of the sea, climate change law, international environmental law and asset recovery. Building on this recognition, the meeting closed on a consensus to intensify collaboration on AALCO’s annual sessions and projects, as well as possible joint activities with the Philippines on fora, internships, and others.

Joining the call were Second Secretary and Consul John Boitte C. Santos and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Anthony G. Articulo, the Philippine Liaison Officer to AALCO. END

(L-R) Vice Consul Mark Anthony G. Articulo, Consul John Boitte C. Santos Ambassador-Designate Josel F. Ignacio, AALCO Secretary General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol and Ms. Geetika Sharma during the call