The President emphasises enhanced commercial relations with the Philippines.

On Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari advocated for intensified economic cooperation, encompassing increased commerce in agricultural and pharmaceutical goods, as well as augmented private-sector collaboration with the Philippines.

He stated that Pakistan supports the Philippines in its recovery efforts and praised Manila’s leadership in promoting regional climate resilience, particularly through the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund to be located in Manila.

President Zardari engaged in conversation with former President and current Member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal, during her visit at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

In welcoming Ms. Macapagal, the president stated that Pakistan and the Philippines had maintained a robust alliance and collaboration spanning over seven decades in political, economic, and defence sectors.

The president described the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Defence Cooperation as a significant achievement and commended the Philippines for its upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. He reiterated Pakistan’s gratitude for Manila’s ongoing support of Pakistan’s involvement with ASEAN.

President Zardari conveyed his solidarity with the Philippine populace and administration regarding the fatalities and extensive destruction resulting from the recent earthquake in Cebu and Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong.

He commended the Philippines for granting long-term resident permits to Pakistanis wed to Filipino citizens and expressed optimism for reciprocal arrangements for Pakistani travellers.

Ms. Macapagal expressed gratitude to President Zardari for the cordial reception and reiterated her nation’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with Pakistan in trade, defence, and interpersonal ties. She conveyed condolences over the fatalities resulting from terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

Reflecting on her father’s 1959 visit to Pakistan during his presidency of the Philippines, she said that Pakistan and the Philippines have historically maintained connections of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Ms. Macapagal emphasised that as a dynamic member of the Global South and the fifth most populated nation globally, Pakistan should assume a leadership position for other countries to emulate.

Emmanuel R. Fernandez, the Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, was also in attendance during the meeting.

Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Senator Sherry Rehman, and Senator Saleem Mandviwala also participated in the meeting.