Vientiane, Laos, 29 November 2004 – Bilateral relations between the Philippines and India are expected to move forward and attain a new momentum for greater cooperation, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo following his meeting with Indian Foreign Minister K. Natwar Singh at the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane.

The two diplomats held a 30-minute meeting at the Lao International Trade Exhibition and Conference Center (ITECC) and exchanged views on Philippines-India relations and regional and international concerns.

Secretary Romulo expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the discussions, which, he said, reaffirmed the importance of India as a key regional partner in the development of peace, security and prosperity in the Asian region.

“Foreign Minister Singh and I are committed to further strengthen our partnership and broaden our bilateral cooperation. We also agreed to an exchange of high-level visits to ensure continuity in our bilateral gains and capitalize on India’s continuing engagement with ASEAN and its member countries,” the Secretary said.

Despite the lack of a formal agreement on defense cooperation between the two countries, India continues to regularly offer numerous training programs to the AFP under its Other Allied Countries (OAC) program.   Just recently, five Indian naval vessels docked in Manila for an informal visit.

Secretary Romulo said that the Philippines is interested in fostering cooperation with India in the field of pharmaceuticals, herbal medicines and bio-medical devices. According to the Secretary, this will facilitate the establishment of scientific linkages with India in which the Philippines can obtain the appropriate technologies in herbal and medicinal plants for application in research and industry sectors.

They also discussed ways to expand counter-terrorism cooperation and trade. India expressed support for the Philippines’ initiative in the United Nations to foster greater inter-faith dialogue.

“My meeting with Foreign Minister Singh today has reaffirmed our common determination to boost our bilateral cooperation. I am confident we are entering a new phase in our bilateral ties,” the Secretary said. END
 
 
 

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