PHL, India foreign ministers discuss stronger maritime security ties, trade links
FOREIGN MINISTERS of the Philippines and India discussed stronger maritime security cooperation as well as expanding trade ties during a meeting in Manila on Monday.
“India has been our partner in promoting peace and security in the region, as well as in advocating the rule of law in the face of armed ambition and the anarchy that follows it,” Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said in a statement released on Tuesday.
“As maritime countries, the Philippines and India, both at the crossroads of the busiest sea lanes in the world, know the critical role of the rule of law in maintaining stability on the water — that most unstable element yet so vital to the life and thriving of nations,” he added.
Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishanka and Mr. Locsin also discussed cooperation in health, trade and investments, science and technology, defense and security, and tourism. Views on current and regional global issues were also noted.
“We are entering a new phase of our partnership. Its basis is the mutuality of national security and development aspirations,” Mr. Jaishanka said in a tweet.
“Expect to take forward a shared agenda through sustained engagement.”
The top diplomats also assessed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and possible collaboration to promote economic recovery.
The Philippine Trade department previously said there is a “big room for opportunity for strengthened economic relations” with India, noting that both countries are looking to forge preferential agreements to improve current trade levels in terms of value and volume.
India was the Philippines’s 14th highest trading partner, and 13th export and import partner in 2020.
About 1,300 Filipinos work and reside in India, while more than 120,000 Indian nationals are in the Philippines as migrants, students, or for work. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
