The Philippines is further boosting its ties with its Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) neighbors with the successive meetings of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo with his counterparts from the region.
Manalo on Monday, July 1, first sat down with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, who is in Manila for the first time since assuming his post. The two envoys aimed to continue to expand and deepen the countries partnership and collaboration, according to DFA.
"Both Foreign Ministers noted the progress in several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) namely on Sports, Cultural Cooperation, Tourism, Higher Education and on the development of the Halal Industry. Both sides committed to conclude negotiations on these MOUs," the DFA said.
"Aside from discussing the improving bilateral relations, both Foreign Ministers had a productive exchange of views on a number of international and regional developments of common interest," it added.
Meanwhile, Manalo will also meet Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who will undertake an official visit to the country on July 4.
During the visit, Manalo and Maris will discuss bilateral areas of cooperation, including the proposed convening of the 6th Meeting of the Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation.
They will also talk about the situation in the South China Sea, Myanmar, and Gaza, which have been the key issues being tackled when regional leaders meet during ASEAN Summits.
"The visit takes place at an auspicious occasion when the Philippines and Thailand are celebrating this year the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations, which were established through the signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1949," DFA said.