Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind have entered into 4 bilateral agreements as part of the latter’s 5-day visit to the country. The two heads of state agreed on tourism cooperation, science and technology, maritime security, and cultural exchange program.
Pres. Duterte affirmed that the two nations have not only decided to help each other to pursue economic progress but to unite against terrorism and violence as well.
“India is a natural partner of the Philippines. Enhancing our relations is therefore timely as it is necessary… We are diversifying partnerships, pre-balancing old ones, and strengthening those that have been traditionally on the margins of our diplomacy,” the Philippine Chief Executive enthused.
For his part, the Indian head of state shared his sympathies for Filipinos especially the victims of the series of earthquakes in Mindanao. He also laid down the future plans for the two countries. “We have decided to explore both our common future through cooperation in space as well as the past through research of the history… and commonalities in our culture and tradition.”
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Philippine-India relations and their bilateral trade now stands at US$ 2.32 billion.
