Duterte holds bilateral meeting with Indian prime minister

January 25, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after his arrival in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In a Malacanang statement on Thursday, it said the two leaders discussed how they could further enhance trade and economic relations.

The meeting was held at Hyderabad House, where the Government of India receives visiting foreign dignitaries.

Duterte and Modi also witnessed the ceremonial exchange of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two nations.

The MOU was signed between the Philippine Board of Investments and Invest India.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez represented the Philippines during the exchange while India Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Preeti Saran represented the Indian government.

Duterte has been on a three-day visit to India to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Commemorative Summit and India’s Republic Day parade. Nine other Southeast Asian leaders were also present.

Joining Duterte in his trip are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Lopez, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Quezon City Representative Feliciano Belmonte and Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa. Celerina Monte/DMS