The Philippines has joined India in mourning the passing of former President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as India’s “missile man” for his role in developing his country’s nuclear program.
“The Philippines will remember President Kalam as a statesman, scientist and educator who was instrumental in bringing India and the Philippines closer in greater collaboration and mutual respect,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Friday.
The DFA said that during Kalam’s state visit to the Philippines in 2006, he emphasized that India-Philippines ties deserved to be taken to a higher level.
“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 to the region,” the DFA said.
Kalam suffered cardiac arrest and died on July 21 while delivering a lecture. He was laid to rest on July 30.
“That the Philippines and India are now 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,” the DFA said. Niña P. Calleja