INTRODUCTION
In keeping with tradition — and also because it is a joyous occasion — we gather here in Malacañang for our annual Vin d’Honneur for the diplomatic corps.

The First Lady and I are delighted that we can personally extend to each of you — and through you, your heads of state and government — our best wishes for a peaceful, happy and prosperous new year.

Our expectations are high because we have just closed the book on a truly splendid year.

With our people pulling together — and with some luck and your help, our foreign friends and partners — we have come through another year with the peace secure, our hopes intact — and a profound sense that the mightiest problems always yield to human will and aspiration.
THE BLESSINGS OF PEACE
The first of our blessings was peace — which reigned over much of the world and enabled nations to build for prosperity and social progress.

In the Philippines, we were especially blessed because we brought to an end a 27-year-old conflict in our southern regions.

This breakthrough would not have been possible but for the support and cooperation of our friends in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), especially our fellow ASEAN members — Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia. They lent their good offices in making peace happen — and for this, again I thank them all.

But the persistence of conflict, instability and tension in certain regions of the globe tempers our exuberance. The peace process continues to be put to severe test in the Middle East, in Afghanistan, in Bosnia and in many parts of Africa.

There continues to be a climate of uncertainty on the Korean Peninsula and terrorism remains a scourge, claiming innocent lives in many countries and creating hostages in Peru.
THE NEED FOR ENHANCED COOPERATION
This underscores for us the urgency of enhancing cooperation among nations to prevent conflict and to support stability. Fortunately, international cooperation for peace and security had some important breakthroughs last year.

The signing in September, 1996, of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was a major step forward. Together with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), which was extended in 1995, the CTBT reduces the dangers posed by further development of nuclear weapons.

The Philippines and ASEAN explored linkages between the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and similar zones in other regions.

Together with the majority of nations, the Philippines supported initiatives on banning the use of inhumane weapons, particularly landmines.

The Philippines also contributed its share to the maintenance of peace by participating in the United Nations Guards Contingent in Iraq.

On a regional level, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) continued its important role as a catalyst for security cooperation.

In addition, the Philippines and its neighbors in East Asia consolidated their dialogue and cooperation, bilaterally and regionally, on the South China Sea.
GLOBALIZATION AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION
In the economic arena, we joined our Asia-Pacific partners in building stronger links among ourselves and with other regions.

The APEC Leaders Meeting in Subic, the Manila Action Plan for APEC 1996 (MAPA 96), and the APEC framework declaration on strengthening economic cooperation and development, gave added impetus to regional trade and investment liberalization, as well as economic and technical cooperation.

During the first-ever ASEAN Informal Summit in Jakarta, we agreed that Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar should enter ASEAN together. By this, we reaffirmed our commitment to the vision of ASEAN’s founders to realize a single, peaceful and progressive Southeast Asian community.

Through Asia-Europe Meet (ASEM) — which was launched early last year in Bangkok — we have advanced Asia-Europe cooperation. The Philippines made proposals to promote the protection and development of the resources of the South China Sea.

And in Singapore last month, the world made significant headway toward freer and greater trade during the first ministerial review conference of the world trade organization (WTO).
A STRONGER UNITED NATIONS
Finally — we should not let this opportunity pass without commending and reaffirming the work of the United Nations (UN), which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

As mankind’s most important bridge among nations, the UN has had its share of problems and setbacks. But none of us can doubt the UN’s calming voice and healing hand amid the troubles that beset our fragile world.

Nor can we exaggerate the importance of the UN’s work in promoting global development, which — for the developing nations — is indispensable and invaluable.

At the World Food Summit last November in Rome, we manifested the need to empower people in agriculture and food security — especially women and the youth.

We have continued to call for the implementation of the resolutions of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade; of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro; of the World Social Development Summit in Copenhagen; and of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.

We maintained a comprehensive dialogue with countries that host Filipino communities, for the purpose of safeguarding the rights and welfare of our compatriots abroad.

And we must press for cooperation within the international community in addressing new and urgent global issues such as international terrorism and other transnational crimes especially the illicit global trade in narcotics and the illegal traffic and criminal exploitation of women and children.

Consistent with its policies, the Philippines is pleased to note that the continuing issue of reform in the United Nations has received fresh impetus under a new UN Secretary General.

These tasks cannot be accomplished all at once. They require understanding, patience, tolerance, and above all, determination.
CLOSING
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen:

It is not only because we are at the beginning of the new year that we have reason to be hopeful. I do believe we stand — and stand together — on the threshold of an immense and better future.

As we near the close of a century marked by devastating wars and horrendous atrocities, we have the chance to create a new century of peace and goodwill on earth.

As we chart these final three years of the 20th century, we have the opportunity to use the great advances in knowledge and technology for the development of all nations. We have the chance to build a future where knowledge truly liberates and makes life better for all men, women and children.

In conclusion, let me express our appreciation to you, excellencies and distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, for your indispensable understanding and cooperation. We are indebted to you, for your support and advocacy in consolidating friendship between the Philippines and every one of your respective nations.

And so, I ask you to join me in a toast to the new year and may it be filled with success in the work we must accomplish together!

Mabuhay! — long-life!