(AseanAll) — The Philippines and India reaffirmed their commitment to bolster people-to-people relations at the 4th Joint Consular Consultation Meeting (JCCM) hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines in Manila on 12 April 2024.
The Philippine delegation of the meeting was headed by Hon. Jesus S. Domingo, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, while the Indian delegation was led by Hon. Muktesh K. Pardeshi, Secretary for Consular, Passport, Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
With the previous edition of the meeting held in 2017 in New Delhi, the reconvening of the JCCM signaled the determination of the Philippines and India to make progress in diverse areas of cooperation in consular affairs. The meeting facilitated fruitful discussions in matters related to visa policies, protection of nationals, legal matters, education, and diaspora engagement, among others.
Undersecretary Domingo expressed appreciation for the exchange of information on the status of Filipinos and Indians during the meeting, and agreed steps in advancing consular relations, immigration procedures, and tourism cooperation. Highlighting their similarities as vibrant democracies, Secretary Pardeshi noted that people-to-people relations serve as a strong foundation that drives Philippines-India relations.
Moving forward in a post-pandemic context, the officials conveyed their interest to boost tourism arrivals between the Philippines and India. Hon. Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, and Ms. Leilani S. Feliciano, DFA Visa Director, reported that the Philippines has reinstated pre-pandemic visa procedures and visa-free privileges under the Philippines-India visa waiver agreement since 2022.
During the meeting, the Philippines and India shared the progress made in negotiations for bilateral agreements covering mutual legal assistance, transfer of sentenced persons, and social security. The two countries also engaged in constructive discussions on Filipino and Indian students and professionals.
The JCCM follows the successful working visit of the External Affairs Minister of India, Hon. Sugrahmanyam Jaishankar, in the Philippines in March 2024. It is among the key engagements to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippines-India diplomatic relations.
The ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation project has been officially inaugurated by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, alongside the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN and the UNDP Resident Representative in Indonesia.
16 May,2024
Designed to foster Southeast Asian youth development and engagement, the first-ever ASEAN Youth Convergence (AYC) organised by Mekong Institute (MI) and the ASEAN Secretariat began on May 13, 2024 with an online meet and greet, pre-departure briefing, and a workshop on writing letters to leaders.
16 May,2024
