The Philippines is seeking to enhance its cooperation with Maldives in facilitating climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as in protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable tourism.
This was expressed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in his meeting with Maldivian counterpart, Abdulla Shahid, at the sidelines of Munich Leaders Meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday.
In pushing for such partnership, Manalo said the Philippines and Maldives are both archipelagos sharing similar concerns pertaining to the environment and the challenges of climate change.
"We enjoy warm people-to-people ties and valuable partnerships in (the) United Nations, including in pushing for global climate action," Manalo said in a later Twitter post as they discussed the enhancement of bilateral cooperation between the two countries celebrating their 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Photo courtesy of DFA Sec. Enrique Manalo
"Let's aim to establish a mechanism for political consultations between our foreign ministries and to explore ways to further enhance our people-to people ties," Manalo told Shahid, his "good friend," during their meeting.
For his part, Shahid expressed his appreciation for the 2,000 Filipinos living and working in Maldives. He noted their significant contributions to the Maldivian economy.
The two foreign ministers also agreed to conduct an exchange of visits in 2024 to mark the golden anniversary of Philippines-Maldives bilateral ties.
Photo courtesy of DFA Sec. Enrique Manalo
"Let's aim to establish a mechanism for political consultations between our foreign ministries and to explore ways to further enhance our people-to people ties," Manalo told Shahid, his "good friend," during their meeting.
For his part, Shahid expressed his appreciation for the 2,000 Filipinos living and working in Maldives. He noted their significant contributions to the Maldivian economy.
The two foreign ministers also agreed to conduct an exchange of visits in 2024 to mark the golden anniversary of Philippines-Maldives bilateral ties.