PNoy And Prime Minister Modi of India Hold Bilateral Meeting

(Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar) President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday thanked India for its assistance to the Philippines in the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the province of Bohol and Typhoon Yolanda last year.

President Aquino held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India at the sidelines of the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held at the Myanmar International Convention Center here.

During the two leaders’ meeting, President Aquino conveyed the Philippine government’s gratitude for India’s support to the country in the aftermath of the Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Aquino also briefed Prime Minister Modi “on the Philippines’ position regarding its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).”

“The Prime Minister concurred with the Philippines’ and ASEAN’s position on the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight on this vital body of water, which is also used as a major avenue in India’s global trade,” Coloma said.

“He said that India supports the peaceful resolution of disputes,” the secretary said in a statement.

Moreover, Secretary Coloma said President Aquino also informed the Prime Minister that the Philippines is now finalizing its agreement to be a signatory to the ASEAN-India Investment Agreement.

Also, the President cited the significant participation of GMR, an Indian infrastructure company, in the construction of the new Mactan International Airport terminal building in Cebu under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Coloma said President Aquino told the Prime Minister that there are a good number of Indian companies participating in the information technology-business process management sector.

Secretary Coloma said President Aquino and the Prime Minister of India had a fruitful exchange of views, adding that the meeting between the two leaders lasted for about half an hour. The meeting was held after the 2nd ASEAN-US Summit.

“President Aquino told Prime Minister Modi that while he is the 15th Philippine President, Mr. Modi is also the 15th Prime Minister of India and wished that ‘the stars will favor both of us during our incumbency,’” he said.

Furthermore, Coloma said Prime Minister Modi also expressed hope that President Aquino may be able to visit India “and that they will have a continuing exchange of views on matters of mutual interest to the two countries.” PND (co)

Source: PCOO

Image Credit: www.narendramodi.in