both countries raised concerns over the developments in the South China Sea, indirectly referring to China's growing assertiveness
Both countries raised concerns over the developments in the South China Sea, indirectly referring to China's growing assertiveness File Pic.
Union Health Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda held a meeting with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting took place as part of the BJP’s international outreach initiative, ‘Know BJP’, reported ANI.
Sharing highlights from their interaction, Nadda posted on X, "During our discussion, I briefed him on how the world's largest political party functions, including its ideology, organisational structure and outreach. We exchanged valuable insights to strengthen party-to-party ties. We also had a detailed discussion on how to enhance cooperation in the healthcare sector. Looking forward to continued co-operation and mutual progress."
The meeting coincided with President Marcos Jr.'s five-day state visit to India. Calling the visit highly fruitful, he noted that it reflected the strong and longstanding ties between India and the Philippines, reported ANI.
Speaking at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr. said, "It has been one of my most productive and constructive visits that I have ever had, and I attribute this to the enduring closeness between the Philippines and India."
Earlier on Tuesday, India and the Philippines agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. Both leaders also emphasised the need to conclude the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) at the earliest to boost trade and economic ties, reported ANI.
Defence cooperation was a major point of discussion, with President Marcos Jr. expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's support in the defence sector, including the export of 'BrahMos' missile systems.
In a joint statement, both countries raised concerns over the developments in the South China Sea, indirectly referring to China's growing assertiveness. The statement called for peace, stability, and respect for international law in the Indo-Pacific region.
As reported by ANI, President Marcos Jr. began his official visit on Monday with a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He also held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, covering a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
Speaking during the ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr. said, "Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," adding that his visit reaffirmed the alliance between India and the Philippines.
This visit is the first official trip to India by a President of the Philippines since Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation that includes several Cabinet ministers. The visit is scheduled from August 4 to 8, reported ANI.
(Inputs from ANI)
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