PH, Ireland OK bilateral consultations
The Philippines and Ireland have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a bilateral consultations mechanism for the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Ireland Ambassador to the Philippines William Carlos signed the agreement on Friday as both countries marked the 39th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Ireland diplomatic relations this year.
“The signing of the MOU will pave the way for increased cooperation and enhanced bilateral exchanges between the Philippines and Ireland, taking our relations to new heights. The Philippines and Ireland both look forward to conduct political consultations by next year,” Manalo said.
Under the MOU, delegations from the Philippines and Ireland will meet annually, either in-person or through teleconferencing, to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional matters of mutual concern.
The meeting will be held on an alternating basis in Manila and Dublin, or a third location such as the sidelines of an international conference, if deemed necessary by both sides.
At these meetings, the Philippines and Ireland are expected to review and evaluate the state of political, economic, consular, cultural relations between the two countries and exchange insights on international affairs, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
‘A timely agreement’
In a separate statement, the Embassy of Ireland said the agreement was expected to bring closer cooperation at a senior official level on issues of mutual priority.
“The consultation framework will provide a forum for alignment on issues of global importance and also to focus on specific actions to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries,” the embassy said.
“The establishment of this bilateral consultations mechanism marks a further deepening of this relationship and further dimension that strengthens the political cooperation between Ireland and the Republic of the Philippines,” it added.
Carlos also noted in his remarks that “this is a timely agreement as the connections between Ireland and the Philippines have strengthened greatly in recent years.”
The Embassy of Ireland in the Philippines opened in November 2021, opening new channels for business, education cooperation, cultural exchange and political dialogue.
The Philippines has also announced its intention to open an embassy in Ireland in the near future. INQ
