Philippines, India stress rules-based international order

Philippine Navy sailors stand in formation as their newly-acquired vessel, the Pohang-class corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS39), prepares to dock at the international port in Manila on August 20, 2019. – The newly-acquired vessel from South Korea, measuring some 88.3 meters with a maximum speed of 32 knots, is capable of anti-submarine warfare equipped with sonar, torpedo launchers and depth charges. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP). Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.

NEW DELHI, Oct 20, 2019, VNA. The Philippines and India signed four agreements, including those on maritime domain and security, on October 18 during a visit to the Philippines by Indian President Ram Nath Kovin, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

Speaking in Manila, President Kovin said he and his host counterpart Rodrigo Duterte had very productive discussions on bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and global issues. The four agreements, covering maritime domain, security, tourism, science and technology, and culture, will further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

According to him, both countries believe in a rules-based international order, respect for international law and sovereign equality of nations.

India and the Philippines are natural partners in the pursuit of their respective national development and security objectives. They also committed to work closely together to defeat and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Kovin added.

The Indian President is paying a four-day visit to the Philippines on the occasion of the 70th founding anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations.

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