India, Philippines pledge to boost bilateral cooperation
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj co-chaired the third India-Philippines Joint Commission meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary of Philippines Albert F. Del Rosario on October 13.
Foreign Affairs Secretary of Philippines Albert F. Del Rosario (Source:counterpiracy.ae)
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj co-chaired the third India-Philippines Joint Commission meeting (IPJC-3) with Foreign Affairs Secretary of Philippines Albert F. Del Rosario in the Indian capital of New Delhi on October 14.
The event’s joint statement said both sides decided to step up cooperation in politics and security, economics, trade, investment, culture, agriculture, tourism and pharmaceuticals, among others.
The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the deepening defence cooperation, especially exchanges in military training and education, capacity building and regular visits between the two countries’ navies.
Both sides agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation, especially in maritime, intelligence sharing, capacity building and defence production as well as boosting cooperation in the framework of the India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).
The Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism in all forms and agreed to convene the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism in New Delhi early to discuss issues related to terrorism and other transnational crimes.
The two Ministers emphasised the importance of safeguarding the freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, calling on the involving parties to abide by the universal principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Ministers pledged to enhance bilateral trade and investment, agreeing to organise the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment early next year and hasten the ratification of the ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreement while considering Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Both Ministers agreed that the next meeting on the policy consultations and strategic dialogue will be held in New Delhi in 2016.
꧃ They also pledged to speed up the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Philippines in the near future.-VNA
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Foreign Affairs Secretary of Philippines Albert F. Del Rosario (Source:counterpiracy.ae)
