Manila: The Philippine government is seeking a 'non-hostile' designation from Iran to ensure safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments, Malaca±ang said on Wednesday. The request was made during the meeting of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to hold a dialogue with Iran.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the meeting, Lazaro raised the need for Iran to formally designate the Philippines as a 'non-hostile country.' "Sec. Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate [Philippines] as a 'non-hostile country' and ensure safe passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments. This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement.

Castro said the Department of Energy is finalizing the details for immediate transmission to the Iranian side. She noted that both sides agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to facilitate swift coordination and processing.

She said Esmaeilzadeh welcomed the Philippines' outreach and conveyed Tehran's readiness to assist with Manila's specific concerns. "The meeting was exceptionally warm and open. Given their stated readiness to cooperate, we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome," Castro said.

She said Lazaro is expected to speak with the Iranian foreign minister on Thursday to secure the commitments 'at the highest level.' She said Lazaro and Garin immediately reported the developments to the President. Lazaro and Garin met with Esmaeilzadeh on Wednesday to discuss 'key avenues for cooperation, including on energy.