Philippines calls ‘India a partner in peace, security in face of ‘armed ambitions’

of law in maintaining stability” in the seas, which are vital lifelines to their nations. Teodoro Locsin said the two nations have “so much more to do in maritime cooperation, as much bilaterally as regionally in the context of ASEAN; and more broadly throughout the Indo-Pacific.” He also spoke of the close historical and cultural ties that bind the two nations and said the two sides will engage more in the future. “We shall exchange more visits and engage more expansively in dialogue essential to better steer the direction of our bilateral relations.” The two countries will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024. “A good reason to keep up the momentum of our engagements,” he said. The talks focused on national security and development goals, and come days after Manila inked a USD 374.96 million deal with India for purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems for its navy. Jaishankar in a series of tweets said that India and Philippines, a key Asean partner, are entering a new phase of their partnership, with its basis being the mutuality of national security and development aspirations. The EAM also said the two sides expect to take forward the shared agenda through sustained engagement. “Held productive discussions with FM @teddyboylocsin of Philippines. “We are entering a new phase of our partnership. Its basis is the mutuality of national security and development aspirations. “Our conversation covered a range of issues dealing with both. “Expect to take forward a shared agenda through sustained engagement. “Thank you @teddyboylocsin for a warm welcome and generous hospitality,” he posted. This is the EAM’s first visit to the Asean country in his capacity as Foreign Minister. He later held talks with Philippines Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana, who was instrumental in choosing the BrahMos missile defence systems for his country. “Nice to meet Defense Minister @del_lorenzana of Philippines. “A good discussion on national security challenges and expanding defense cooperation,” the EAM posted. He also held talks on economic recovery and development cooperation with the Philippines Finance Minister Carlos Dominguez III and with Agriculture Minister William Dar. “A warm conversation on economic recovery and development cooperation with Finance Minister @SecSonnySays and Agriculture Minister @DarAgriculture of the Philippines. “Appreciate their long association with India and their enthusiasm for strengthening our partnership,” he tweeted. The EAM arrived on Sunday on a three-day working visit, which is expected to impart further momentum to bilateral relations with the Philippines. BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd inked a deal with Manila last month for supply of three batteries of shore-based supersonic cruise missile systems. The Philippines plans to use the BrahMos missile systems to boost its coastal defence, and will be used by the Coastal Defence Regiment of the Philippine Marines. The deal also includes training for operators and logistics support. Manila hopes to protect the island nation’s claims in the disputed South China Sea, also called the West Philippine Sea.