MANILA. Philippines – The Philippines’ commitment in ensuring international peace and security through interfaith dialogue was recognized by the chair of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM-COB).

"There is a clear underlying link between the 2 processes, which manifest itself in the unwavering commitment of the Philippines, as an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement, to the maintenance of international peace and security," said Ambassador Maged Abdelaziz.

Abdelaziz made the statement during the one-day Preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Special NAM Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (SNAMMM) held Tuesday.

The Philippines is host to this year’s SNAMMM and was elected President of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.

"Sowing the seeds of a culture of peace among peoples and nations through dialogue is instrumental to cement the global efforts towards total elimination of the shadow of war and the perils posed by the continued proliferation and stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction. This could only be possible through a constructive dialogue that promotes mutual understanding and acceptance of the other as an initial but crucial step to overcome historical rivalries, tensions and mistrust," Abdelaziz said.

Over 120 delegations are attending the SNAMMM at the Philippine International Convention Center from March 16 to 18. It is considered one of the biggest high-level inter-governmental gatherings to be held in Manila in the past 4 decades, second only to the Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 1979.

The meeting will address existing, new and emerging challenges to the promotion of a culture of peace and development among NAM's 118 member states.

After the SNAMMM, the Philippines will preside over the NPT Review Conference from May 3 to May 28 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The NPT is an essential cornerstone in the global pursuit of nuclear disarmament.

"Cooperation for peace and development is one of the fundamental principles of the Non-Aligned Movement. In facing the growing challenges brought about by globalization, solidarity among developing countries becomes a necessity to preserve their interests and realize the aspirations of their peoples for progress and prosperity,” Abdelaziz said.

He added: “In this regard, it is essential to curb the tides of religious extremism, intolerance and violence that threaten to erode our development gains and destabilize national peace and social harmony”.