The Philippines and Palau moved to further strengthen bilateral relations after signing on Monday three new deals, including agreements on fisheries and policy consultations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and visiting Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. witnessed the signing and presentation of the new agreements in Malacañang.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Policy Consultations was signed between the two countries’ foreign ministries, allowing the establishment of a mechanism to exchange views on bilateral and regional cooperation as well as on international issues of mutual concern.

A diplomatic note for the study visit of Palau officials and stakeholders to agriculture and fisheries facilities in the Philippines was also signed.

The technical cooperation will support a study visit by Palau agricultural and fisheries officials and stakeholders to take part in experiential learning through visits to Philippine training institutions, hatcheries, research facilities and local markets to observe and study the best practices of the Philippines in these sectors.

An MOU on fisheries cooperation was also forged between the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines, and the Ministries of Fisheries and the Environment of Palau.

The agreement seeks to promote sustainable development through fisheries conservation, fishing ventures, joint research activities and the prevention of illegal, unreported and regulated fishing.

Labor agreement for Filipinos in Palau

In his press statement after the ceremony, Marcos said he looks forward to the conclusion of a labor cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Palau within the year.

The labor pact aims to protect and promote the welfare of Filipino workers in Palau, as well as the early conclusion of a social security agreement that will guarantee Filipinos who work in Palau access to social benefits.

Likewise, the President bared that he has discussed with his counterpart formal cooperation in health and in promoting human resources development.

“I look forward to the immediate conclusion of our negotiations on the different critical areas of cooperation,” he said.

Stronger ties

Marcos also said that the Philippines and Palau have agreed to bolster bilateral relations, which was established in 1997.

“Ours is a friendship borne out of the common struggle for independence and for freedom. It is rooted in the strong historical ties and cultural affinity between Filipinos and Palauans that remain to this day,” Marcos said.

The President also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with Pacific nations in “charting the future of the Pacific”, as well as the country’s support to efforts to advance the disaster resilience in the region.

The two leaders, likewise, committed to continue dialogue on maritime boundary delimitation, according to Marcos.

There are around 4,000 Filipinos living and working in Palau. In 2027, the two neighboring countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Palau diplomatic relations. (PNA)