The Philippines and India signed four agreements on maritime security, tourism sector, science and technology, and cultural exchange during the visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind in Malacañang Friday afternoon.
One of the agreements signed was the Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Indian Navy of the Republic of India on Sharing of White Shipping Information.
The MoU aims to enhance maritime security through the sharing of information on non-military and non-government shipping vessels between the Philippines and India.
In their joint press statement, Duterte said he welcomed India’s role in the defense capability upgrade program against the backdrop of the country’s growing security cooperation.
“As countries strategically located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, we affirmed our shared interest to protect our maritime commons and advance the rule of law in our maritime domains. We agreed also to continue working together to fight terrorism and violent extremism and other transboundary threats,” he said.
For his part, Kovind said the Philippines and India are natural partners in the pursuit of the respective national development and security objectives.
“Both our countries have been victims of terrorism. As you know, India has been the target of cross-border terrorism for decades. We committed to work closely to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the Indian leader said.
Kovind also said that India was keen to participate in infrastructure development and the defense modernization of the Philippines.
“In both these areas, Indian companies have made their mark and attained global reputation,” he said. (Argyll Geducos)
