MANILA: Visit of External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Philippines

MANILA: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Philippines from 25-27 March, 2024. EAM called on H.E. Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines and conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to him. He also briefed President Marcos about recent developments in India-Philippines partnership and on the joint initiatives to further fortify bilateral ties.

EAM also met with his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Philippines. The two Ministers noted the progress made in bilateral cooperation since the fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation held in New Delhi in June 2023 and reviewed the entire spectrum of engagements including political exchanges, trade & investment, defence & maritime security, development partnership, healthcare & medicine, agriculture & food security, education, infrastructure, engagements in new technologies and people-to-people exchanges. They also explored avenues for further strengthening relations between the two countries, while also delving into regional and global issues of mutual interest. It was agreed to hold commemorative events to mark the 75th Anniversary of establishment of bilateral relations.

EAM also met Secretary of National Defense of Philippines, H.E. Mr. Gilbert Teodoro. Both leaders welcomed growing cooperation in defence and maritime security. Substantive discussions were held on consolidating the ongoing momentum in bilateral defence ties through capacity building, joint exercises, information exchange and defence industrial collaboration.

EAM also addressed a gathering of senior officials of the Philippine Government, members of the Philippine Defence Forces and Indian Community on-board the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar, which is currently on a port call at Manila.

EAM’s visit provided a well-timed opportunity to take stock of ongoing engagements and to give further impetus to the flourishing bilateral ties between India and the Philippines.