The Philippines is ready to enhance cooperation with Colombia in fighting drug trafficking and other transnational crimes, President Duterte said Wednesday.
(RICHARD MADELO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The President affirmed the country’s commitment to advance security cooperation, apart from trade and investments, with Colombia when he met with its new ambassador to the Philippines Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez in Malacañang.
The Colombian ambassador was among the five new envoy that presented their credentials to the President at the Palace Wednesday, Feb. 10.
Duterte, in his remarks, said the two countries have enjoyed "warm and friendly relations" and must "bring our ties to another level."
"We are ready to further enhance cooperation particularly in trade and investment, defense and in addressing non-traditional security issues, including terrorism and violent extremism, drug trafficking and other transnational crimes," he said.
"We are also interested in cooperating on taking the peace process further, given Colombia’s experience," he added.
The Philippines and Colombia established diplomatic relations 75 years ago.
Since he assumed office in 2016, President Duterte embarked on an aggressive campaign against the illegal drug trade.
The war on drugs however has been marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings and other rights abuses. Duterte, unfazed by criticisms, has vowed to sustain the anti-drug crackdown, saying he has a duty to protect and preserve the Filipino nation.
In the same remarks, Duterte said bilateral and regional engagement must be deepened especially with Colombia’s recent accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
"Together, in solidarity and cooperation, we will continue to build upon the gains of our longstanding friendship," he said.
"This, as we remain resolved to surmount the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and work together for global bounce back and recovery," he added.