The two countries also discussed cultural cooperation, people-to-people contact, cooperation on defence and security issues, maritime security, healthcare, attaining the SDGs and supporting each other’s candidature in multilateral institutions.
The issues were discussed at the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and the Philippines held at State guesthouse Meghna in the city.
Secretary (Asia and Pacific) Masud Bin Momen led Bangladesh side while Assistant Secretary (Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs) Meynardo LB. Montealegre led the Philippines time at the meeting.
Later in the day, leader of the Filipino delegation Ambassador Meynardo Montealegre met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said an official release.
The two sides at the FOC exchanged counter drafts to sign MoUs on agriculture cooperation, nursing capacity building and employment, migrant workers and cooperation between the Presidential Communication Operations Office of the Philippines and its Bangladesh counterpart.
The two sides also exchanged an MoU previously signed between Chattogram and Cebu Chambers of Commerce and Industries.
The Bangladesh side suggested that the Philippines could procure quality rice, potato, fresh fruits, processed foods and generic drugs from Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh side was informed that these products have to fulfill multiple standards in order to enter the Filipino market.
Bangladesh urged the Philippines to facilitate market access in these products. Bangladesh also sought Philippines’ investment in the Special Economic Zones and hi-tech parks.
Expressing satisfaction at the close bilateral relations between the two countries, the two sides decided to exchange VVIP-level visits in the near future.