Philippines, Chile Sign MOU on Agri Cooperation
Philippine Ambassador to Chile Ma. Teresita C. Daza (left) joins Chilean Minister of Agriculture Maria Emilia Undurraga (right) during the signing ceremony in Santiago. (Santiago PE photos)
SANTIAGO, 23 November 2021 – The Philippine Embassy in Santiago witnessed the signing of the Philippines-Chile Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Agriculture at the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture’s headquarters in central Santiago on 17 November 2021.
The MOU was signed by Chilean Ministry of Agriculture Maria Emilia Undurraga Marímon on the part of Chile, which will thereafter be signed by Philippine Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar after its transmittal to the Philippines.
In her opening remarks, Minister Undurraga highlighted the positive momentum of Philippines-Chile relations, particularly during this 75th Anniversary year, and noted the many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The Minister also underscored the overall importance of the two countries’ cooperation not just in agriculture, but equally in ensuring food security, and in facing the bigger challenges of climate change, adaptation, and mitigation.
Philippine Ambassador to Chile Ma. Teresita Daza emphasized the importance of agriculture for both countries’ economies through revenue and employment generation, as well as the sector’s crucial role in food security, development and growth of peoples. The Ambassador also underscored the importance of the MOU as it endeavors to promote technical, economic and commercial cooperation, such as agricultural policies research and education, market study, science and innovation, organic agriculture, digital agriculture, and trade and investment.
Ambassador Claudio Rojas of the Chilean Embassy in Manila closed the ceremony by welcoming this new phase in Philippines-Chile bilateral relationship as exemplified by the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in Agriculture in addition to the signing of the MOU on the Establishment of a Joint Economic Cooperation back in March.
Also present to witness the signing from the Chilean side were Ambassador Carlo Olguin – Director of DIRAPAC (MFA Directorate for Asia and the Pacific), Consul Marco Navarro of the Chilean Embassy in Manila (online), National Director María José Irarrázaval of ODEPA (National Office for Agrarian Policies and Studies), Mr. Jose Miguel Rodriguez – Head of ODEPA International Affairs Division, and Mr. Fernando Balart – Agriculture Attaché of Chile for Asia (online). Also representing the Philippine side were First Secretary and Consul Dennis John C. Briones of the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, and Secretary and Assistant to the Head of Post Paula Rodriquez.
The signing of the MOU was one of the key deliverables to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Chile this year. Other agreements under negotiation include cooperation in culture, tourism, aquaculture and fisheries, and maritime concerns. END
During the signing of the Philippines-Chile Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Agriculture at the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture’s headquarters in central Santiago on 17 November 2021. (Santiago PE photos)
For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.