The Philippines and Nicaragua have signed a bilateral agreement on the establishment of political consultations, giving a deeper dimension to the two nations’ ties since the establishment of their diplomatic relations five decades ago.

Philippine Ambassador to Nicaragua Arvin de Leon signed the agreement with his Nicaraguan counterpart in Mexico, Ambassador Juan Carlos Gutiérrez Madrigal, in Mexico City.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said the memorandum of understanding was signed on the Philippine Independence Day on June 12, marking the first time an agreement was concluded between the two countries since formal relations was established on August 10, 1973.

The deal is expected to serve as a framework towards the establishment of a platform that the two nations could use to sit down and explore possibilities of cooperation on areas of mutual interest.

“After the signing, both sides agreed to work more closely in the soonest implementation of the agreement which would open the door towards a more constructive and results-oriented engagement between the Philippines and Nicaragua,” the DFA said.

The Marcos administration had been active in engaging non-traditional partners to improve bilateral cooperation and trade.

In 2023, the DFA held meetings with high-level representatives from Nicaragua, including Foreign Minister Denis Moncada Colindres, where the establishment of the mechanisms was discussed. (PNA)