PHL, Mexico to wrap up bilateral negotiations
THE PHILIPPINES and Mexico are set to conclude negotiations for agreements on air services, disaster risk management, and the establishment of a Joint Economic Committee (JEC), according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA also announced on Friday that the two countries have agreed to work on the “full implementation” of signed agreements on tourism and counter-narcotics efforts.
“The Philippines and Mexico successfully held their 2nd Bilateral Consultation Mechanism Meeting (BCM), the first to be held at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City on 06 May 2019,” the DFA said in a statement.
The meeting was led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo and Mexican Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Julián Ventura, together with their respective delegations.
Leaders from both sides “agreed to work on the full implementation of signed agreements on combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, and tourism, and committed to conclude negotiations on pending agreements on air services, integral disaster risk management, and the establishment of a Joint Economic Committee (JEC)” which aims to further the bilateral trade and investment.
They discussed “bilateral political, economic, and socio-cultural issues” and other “pressing regional and multilateral issues” as a means to deepen over six decades of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Mexico.
The DFA said both countries engaged in “open and frank discussions,” identifying specific measures to be undertaken to boost bilateral trade and investments and increase socio-cultural exchanges by implementing cultural and sports cooperation programs.
They also determined specific steps to promote new areas of cooperation in “agriculture and exchange of best practices on consular matters and in the provision of assistance to nationals during the BCM.”
The leaders likewise exchanged views on regional developments in Asia and Latin America, including on the Association of South East Asian Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Forum, and the Pacific Alliance, the DFA said.
The DFA said Manila will host the next BCM. The exact place and schedule will be “mutually agreed upon at a later date.” — A.L. Balinbin
