India and Philippines on Monday signed four MOUs for cooperation in the areas of defence and agriculture, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.
PM Modi had a “productive†meeting with President Duterte and discussed various aspects on enhancing India-Philippines bilateral cooperation especially in trade, business and culture.
The leaders of both countries identified terrorism as a major threat and resolved to expand bilateral cooperation in defence to deal with growing menace.
 “Both the leaders said scourge of terrorism has to be dealt with effectively. It is a very important outcome,†Secretary (East) in the Exernal Affairs Ministry Preeti Saran told reporters.
Saran said the pact on defence cooperation was a significant outcome as it will boost cooperation in various spheres including in the areas of logistics.
Apart from Defence industry, MoUs on in the areas of Agriculture and related fields, MSMEs were also signed.
A pact between ICWA and FSI along with establishment of ICCR chair in the University of Philippines were also inked.
Modi’s bilateral visit to the Philippines is first by an Indian Prime Minister in 36 years, though Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister had come here for a multilateral meeting.
Earlier in the day, Modi interacted with Indian community in a program in Manila and thanked the diaspora for their “warmthâ€.
Modi will also have bilateral meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, New Zealand Prime minister Jacinda Ardern and several other leaders.
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