31 July 2015

The Philippines joins India in mourning the untimely demise of the former President of the Republic of India A P J Abdul Kalam.

The Philippines will remember President Kalam as a statesman, scientist and educator who was instrumental in bringing the Philippines and India closer in greater collaboration and mutual respect.

In his State Visit to the Philippines in 2006, the first to be made at that time by an Indian Head of State in 15 years, President Kalam emphasized that our ties – founded on shared values and shared aspirations – deserve to be taken to a higher level as we move forward to a century with the Asia Pacific as the center of gravity for global growth.

Less than a decade after President Kalam’s State Visit, the Philippines and India look to each other as vital partners in advancing interests to bring greater peace, progress and prosperity in the region, based on the rule of law.

That the Philippines and India now are acting together, hewing closely to democratic ideals and pursuing a future of security and stability for our nations and region, is a testament to the work of President Kalam and a recognition of his enduring legacy.

In the community of nations, our leaders are the living bridges that draw countries together in amity, greater cooperation and mutual respect. President Kalam served as a massive bridge of friendship and collaboration that spanned two nations across two great oceans. END