PH, Mexico to jointly explore space technology, ocean protection
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
The Philippines and Mexico plan to explore joint cooperation on space technology, earth observations, ocean protection, and the use of electronic technology for overseas voting, among others, as the two countries held their third Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) meeting during the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
DFA Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, Nov. 30, said that the two countries also discussed how to assist migrant workers and nationals abroad.
They also talked about “the participation of both the Philippines and Mexico in regional and multilateral organizations which contribute to the deepening of diplomatic relations.”
DFA - Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary José Victor Chan-Gonzaga, who headed the Philippine delegation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico via virtual platform last Nov. 24, highlighted that the BCM comes at an opportune time as both countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-Mexico diplomatic relations this year.
According to the DFA, the BCM is a mechanism for both countries “to review the different aspects of cooperation and establish concrete plans to strengthen current relations.”
“In enhancing our relations with Mexico, we are dedicated to fulfilling current agreements while exploring more avenues for cooperation. Certainly, the Philippines looks forward to working with Mexico in recognizing our common interests and experiences that will contribute to charting the future of both our countries,” Chan-Gonzaga said.
Both delegations discussed the common areas for cooperation, which includes trade and economic investments, market access for agricultural products, disaster risk reduction and management, tourism promotion, and cultural exchange and awareness.
They also committed to implement the Tourism Agreement signed in 2015, as well as the swift conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cultural Cooperation between the cultural agencies of both countries.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director-General for Policy and Planning Anidelle Joy Alguso presented opportunities for Mexico for economic investments and promotion of its products to the Philippines.
Mexico is the third largest trading partner of the Philippines in Latin America, next to Brazil and Argentina.
“Inspired by our milestone year of diplomatic relations, we envision the partnership with Mexico to maintain its solid foundation and open more opportunities to bring our countries and people closer in the coming years,” Chan-Gonzaga added.