INDIAN President Ram Nath Kovind is set to arrive in the Philippines for a state visit on Thursday upon the invitation of President Duterte, who is keen on boosting ties between the Philippines and India.
Kovind is set to meet with Duterte on Friday to discuss “issues of mutual concern.” The two leaders are also set to witness the signing of bilateral agreements.
Prior to going to Malacañang, Kovind will pay his respects to the country’s national hero and attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park.
On Saturday, Kovind will have meetings with liver transplant patients, as well as with the beneficiaries of the Mahaveer Philippines Foundation.
After this, the Indian leader will proceed to the Philippines-India Business Conclave and Fourth Asean-India Business Summit.
On Sunday, he will attend the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Quezon City before meeting with the Indian community.
Kovind will depart for Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, according to Malacañang.
Data available on the web site of India’s embassy in Manila showed that bilateral trade between the Philippines and India as of fiscal year 2018 to 2019 stood at $2.32 billion. India enjoys a surplus with the Philippines as its exports reached $1.74 billion.
India’s top exports to the Philippines include vehicles, and parts and accessories, pharmaceutical products, frozen buffalo meat and edible meat offal, nuclear reactors, boilers and appliances.