Philippines, India affirm growing partnership
By PIA LEE-BRAGO
The Philippines and India affirmed the two nations’ shared interest in countering violent extremism and terrorism and enhancing maritime connectivity, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said early this month.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique 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 Stra- tegic Dialogue at held at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Feb. 28.
During the Strategic Dialogue, a number of cooperative measures were discussed.
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 Feb. 28 also in New Delhi.
The two sides 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, and 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 discussed the Philippine chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 50th an- niversary of ASEAN, and the 25th Anniversary of ASEANIndia Dialogue Relations.
The Philippines and India enjoy very close and friendly ties since bilateral relations were formally established on Nov. 16, 1949.
The members of the Philippine delegation included Philippine Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Millicent Cruz-Paredes, DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Frank Cimafranca, and Department of National Defense Director Ronald Patrick Rubin.