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Islamabad, Manila hold bilateral policy consultations
ISLAMABAD: The 5th round of the Pakistan-Philippines Bilateral Policy Consultations was held in Islamabad today, where the Philippines appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism and sacrifices rendered by it in this regard.
According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan side was led by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, while the Philippines was represented by its Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Undersecretary Enrique Manalo.
The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and identified opportunities and possibilities for further cooperation, including in the fields of security, counterterrorism, economic development and trade, education, science and technology and agriculture.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at their ongoing collaboration at the UN and other multilateral fora, especially through support to each other’s candidatures.
The two sides discussed the evolving peace and security situations in Asia-Pacific region.
The foreign secretary briefed the Philippines side on Islamabad’s efforts aimed at promoting peace and security in Afghanistan, Indo-Pak relations, human rights violations in the India-held Jammu and Kashmir, as well as on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Philippines side briefed the foreign secretary on regional situation in the Asia-Pacific region and the security situation in the Philippines.
International issues of mutual interest, including terrorism and Pakistan’s bid for Full Dialogue Partnership (FDP) status with ASEAN, also came under discussion.
Besides appreciating Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism, the Philippines also pledged to continue to support Pakistan’s bid for FDP status with ASEAN.
Islamabad considers Manila an important country in the region, and enjoys cordial relations with it.
The two sides agreed in principle to hold the 6th session of consultations in the Philippines next year at mutually convenient dates.