Duterte welcomes Indian president

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hosts a state banquet in honor of President Ram Nath Kovind of the Republic of India at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on October 18, 2019. (Photo Screengrab from Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)/Facebook)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte met with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind at Malacañan Palace on Friday for a bilateral meeting and to witness the exchange of four agreements that intend to boost relations between Manila and New Delhi.

Kovind was accorded an official welcome ceremony by Duterte and other Philippine officials at the Palace’s Reception Hall.

The welcome rites that were initially set at the Kalayaan grounds did not push through due to inclement weather.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Kovind’s visit to the Philippines comes at a time when the two nations enjoy “strong bilateral ties.”

“We are certain that President Kovind felt the world-famous warmth and genuine hospitality of the Filipino people from the schoolchildren and government officials that greeted him on his way to Malacañang,” Panelo said.

“The Philippines and India enjoy strong bilateral ties. This year marks the 70th year anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries,” he added.

Panelo noted that bilateral trade between the two countries stands at USD2.32 billion and “has been increasing.

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He added that Indian investments in the Philippines is estimated at more than USD900 million.

The Palace official also stressed New Delhi’s “strong presence” in the pharmaceutical industry and business process outsourcing sector.

“Indeed, this visit augurs well to Philippines-India relations,” he said.

Kovind is the third Indian leader to make a state visit to Manila since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India in November 1949.

During his stay in the Philippines, Kovind will meet with liver transplant patients in Makati and Filipino beneficiaries of the Mahaveer Philippine Foundation, Inc. at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Compound in Manila.

He is also set to attend a summit organized by the Philippine and Indian business delegations in Makati.

Kovind will also witness the installation of Mahatma Gandhi’s bust in Quezon City and meet with members of the Indian community in the Philippines.

Kovind will return to India on October 21.