13 March 2015 - The Philippines and India conducted their 11th Policy Consultations and 2nd Strategic Dialogue at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on March 05 with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia leading the Philippine delegation and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) Anil Wadhwa heading the Indian delegation. Assistant Secretary Raymund Jose Quilop of the Department of National Defense co-chaired the Strategic Dialogue with Undersecretary Garcia for the Philippine side.
During the Policy Consultations, the Philippine and Indian delegations held discussions on moving forward cooperation in the political, economic, academic, cultural and consular fields. Both sides reviewed progress in the implementation of projects and activities under the Joint Working Groups in health, trade and investments, science and technology, agriculture and renewable energy. They also agreed to map out a plan of action that will push the implementation of projects that would mutually benefit both sides.
At the Strategic Dialogue, both sides discussed defense and security cooperation, covering issues such as transnational crime and counter-terrorism, as well as disaster management and maritime security cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of common concern in the South and Southeast Asian regions.
Prior to said meetings, the 2nd Philippines-India Joint Consular Consultations was also held at the Department of Foreign Affairs on March 04. The Philippine side was headed by DFA Executive Director for Consular Affairs Lilibeth Pono while the Indian side was led by MEA Passport Visa Director Dr. Sandip Halder. END
