PH, Palestine agree to boost bilateral ties; political consultations will start next year

November 20 ------ The Philippines and Palestine agree to strengthen their bilateral relations through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on political consultations that will establish a structured mechanism to identify areas of cooperation and mutual interests.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin held a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, as part of Shahin’s agenda in her official visit to the Philippines from Nov. 16 to 21. “This high-level visit is reflective of our growing partnership and our mutual commitment to further strengthen our cooperation. During our meeting, Foreign Minister and I both agreed that it is high time for our countries to forge more robust and practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Lazaro said in her speech.

The Philippines and Palestine signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations on Tuesday to establish a bilateral mechanism for political consultations, which will allow them “to take stock of our bilateral relations, identify areas of cooperation, and promote our common interests.” An inaugural political consultation is expected to be convened next year. The DFA chief further shared plans about expediting the conclusion of a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports. “This agreement will pave the way for greater interaction and closer cooperation between the officials as well as policymakers,” she said.

For her part, Shahin expressed hope that the MOU will strengthen mutual cooperation in various sectors, including education, higher education, vocational training, visa waiver for diplomats, and others. “Today, on the political level, we have an opportunity. We have an opportunity created by the ceasefire on the Gaza-Israel front,” she said. Lazaro added that the Philippines can provide technical and capacity-building assistance for the development of Palestine as Manila has “accumulated a wealth of experiences and vast practices in this area of technical and vocational education and training.”

Source: mb.com.ph