The Philippines and Palau formalized their commitment to deeper cooperation by signing key agreements on foreign policy consultations, agriculture, and fisheries on Monday.
Among the signed agreements were the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Policy Consultations between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines and the Ministry of State of Palau, as well as Diplomatic Notes facilitating a Study Visit for Palauan officials and stakeholders to agriculture and fisheries facilities in the Philippines.
Another crucial agreement, the MOU on Fisheries Cooperation, was signed between the Philippine Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment of Palau, reinforcing collaboration in the sector.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Technical Cooperation
The MOU on Policy Consultations establishes a formal mechanism for both nations’ foreign ministries to exchange views on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual concern, fostering stronger diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, the technical cooperation on agriculture and fisheries, outlined in the diplomatic notes, aims to facilitate a study visit for Palauan officials. This initiative will allow them to gain hands-on experience by visiting training institutions, hatcheries, research facilities, and local markets in the Philippines to observe best practices in the industry.
High-Level Support and Regional Commitment
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. witnessed the signing ceremony at Malacañang Palace, underscoring the high-level commitment to these initiatives.
During a joint press conference, President Marcos highlighted the significance of the agreements, particularly in addressing global and regional concerns affecting the Pacific.
“On maritime cooperation, we committed to continue our dialogue on maritime boundary delimitation. We have also discussed the framework of our fisheries cooperation to improve our fishing and aquaculture sectors through the sharing of best practices and technologies, capacity-building initiatives, the development of fisheries infrastructure, and cooperation for international market compliance,” Marcos stated.
President Whipps also emphasized the importance of these agreements, describing them as a new chapter in the Philippines-Palau partnership.
“I think these MOUs today signal a new chapter in our relationship, in our partnership, as we reflect on our shared commitment to sustainable development and putting the well-being and prosperity of our people first,” Whipps said.
With these agreements in place, both nations reaffirm their commitment to fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties while advancing sustainable development and cooperation in agriculture and fisheries.
