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Philippine, India affirm growing partnership

MANILA, Mar. 2 (PNA) -- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary (East) Preeti Saran of the Ministry of External Affairs of India affirmed the growing partnership between the Philippines and India during the 12th Philippines-India Policy Consultations and 3rd Strategic Dialogue at held at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

In a Department of Foreign Affairs statement, the two sides during their meeting on February 28 reviewed the current state of their relations in the areas of defense, trade and investment, tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, science and technology, education, and culture.

They also identified a number of activities and actions to enhance relations in these areas, including the expeditious conclusion of several pending bilateral arrangements.

They exchanged views on regional and international issues, and also discussed the Philippine Chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN, and the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.

During the Strategic Dialogue, both the Philippines and India affirmed their shared interest in countering violent extremism and terrorism, enhancing maritime connectivity.

A number of cooperative measures were discussed in this regard. They also agreed on the importance of fully respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The Consultations and the Strategic Dialogue were held back-to-back with the 3rd Philippines-India Joint Consular Consultations Meeting held on February 28, also in New Delhi.

The Philippines and India enjoy very close and friendly ties since bilateral relations were formally established on November 16, 1949.

The members of the Philippine Delegation included Philippine Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita C. Daza, DFA Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Millicent Cruz-Paredes, DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Frank R. Cimafranca, and Department of National Defense Director Atty. Ronald Patrick T. Rubin. (PNA)

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