CONTINUING an ongoing engagement with world leaders, the embassy of the Republic of India said Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged President Duterte in a phone conversation on June 9 and discussed steps to be taken by the two Asian leaders in addressing the challenges of the current pandemic.
Both expressed mutual appreciation for the cooperation extended to ensure the welfare of their citizens in each other’s territories and for their repatriation amid the ongoing health crisis. Duterte also acknowledged the steps India took to maintain the supply of essential pharmaceutical products to the Philippines.
For his part, the prime minister assured the chief executive of India’s commitment to support the Philippines in its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), and pledged that his country’s well-established capacity for manufacturing affordable pharmaceutical products—including for a vaccine, once it is found—would continue to be deployed for the benefit of the entire humanity.
The leaders shared their satisfaction at the progress seen in recent years in all aspects of their countries’ bilateral relationship, including defense cooperation. Modi said that India sees the Philippines as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
He conveyed his best wishes to his counterpart from the Philippines and its people for their commemoration of Independence Day on June 12.