Philippines, Peru hold first Bilateral Consultation Meeting
The Philippines and Peru have inaugurated a Bilateral Consultation Meeting (BCM) that will eventually give way for both sides to discuss common concerns and other engagements.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and her Peruvian counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister John Peter Camino Cannock, led the talk in Manila on June 19 as they also discussed President Marcos' possible visit to Peru to pursue stronger ties.
According to DFA, BCM is an important platform "for discussing issues of common concern, finding ways to enhance existing cooperation, and charting the course for future engagements."
During the talk, the two sides held comprehensive discussions on an agenda that included bilateral trade relations, regional and global developments, exchanges in the maritime sphere, cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), as well as environmental and tourism cooperation.
The meeting came as the two countries are celebrating in November this year the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations that will also coincide with Peru’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, its third time since 2008.
Under its chairmanship, Peru is advancing key issues such as trade, investments, inclusion, growth, innovation and digitalization to promote sustainable growth and transition to the formal and global economy, which resonate with Philippine priorities.
The two sides also discussed developments in the South China Sea and in the Philippines and Peru’s respective regions, underscoring the importance of multilateralism in maintaining global stability and working towards prosperity, according to DFA.