The Philippines and Palau signed on Monday agreements on foreign affairs policy consultations, agriculture, and fisheries.
Among those signed were the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Policy Consultations between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of State of the Republic of Palau; and the Diplomatic Notes for the Study Visit of Palau Officials and Stakeholders to Agriculture and Fisheries Facilities in the Philippines.
The MOU between the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment of the Republic of Palau on Fisheries Cooperation was also signed.
The MOU on policy consultations establishes a mechanism for the Foreign Ministries of the Philippines and Palau to exchange views on bilateral and regional cooperation, as well as on international issues of mutual concern.
The technical cooperation, through diplomatic notes for agriculture and fisheries. aims to support a study visit by Palau Agriculture and Fisheries officials and stakeholders to take part in experiential learning through visits to training institutions, hatcheries, research facilities, and local markets in order to observe and study the best practices of the Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. witnessed the signing of the agreements in Malacañan.
In his statement during a joint press conference, President Marcos said he exchanged views with President Whipps on global issues, particularly those concerning the Pacific region.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with Pacific nations in charting the region’s future.
“On maritime cooperation, we committed to continue our dialogue on maritime boundary delimitation. We have also discussed the framework of our fisheries cooperation to improve our fishing and aquaculture sectors through the sharing of best practices and technologies, capacity-building initiatives as well, development of fisheries infrastructure, [and] cooperation for international market compliance,” President Marcos said.
For his part, President Whipps highlighted the importance of the signed agreements. “I think these MOUs today signal a new chapter in our relationship, in our partnership, as we reflect on our shared commitment to sustainable development and putting the well-being and prosperity of our people first,” he said. | PND
