Philippines Commends India For 'Very Successful' BRICS Summit, Highlights South-South Cooperation

Manila – The Philippines has praised India for successfully organizing the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi last weekend, emphasizing the significance of South-South cooperation among the grouping's members. In an interview with ANI, Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa P Lazaro highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation, commending India for its efforts in steering the BRICS organization amidst diverse geopolitical perspectives.

"I think the issue of South-South cooperation is very important, and I think this is a very important aspect of the BRICS Summit," she stated.

Lazaro praised the diversity of the expanded BRICS grouping, noting that it was "laudable" that the organization was addressing a range of geopolitical issues. She further commended India for initiating the important platform and organizing a successful summit. The comments come as India and the Philippines deepen their strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussing ways to strengthen cooperation in various sectors during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit.

The discussions between the two leaders covered areas such as defence, maritime security, infrastructure, fintech, and emerging technologies, while also exploring potential cooperation in the space sector. The Philippines is also considering collaboration with India's ISRO to support its nascent space agency. The longstanding diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines, established in 1949, span various sectors including defence, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.