India and the Philippines on Monday inked four pacts providing for cooperation in a number of areas, including the defence and security, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Rodrigo Duterte, covering an entire gamut of bilateral relationship.
Identifying terrorism as a major threat facing the two countries and the region, the two leaders also resolved to expand bilateral cooperation to effectively deal with the challenge. "Both the leaders said scourge of terrorism has to be dealt with effectively. It is a very important outcome," Secretary (East) in the Exernal Affairs Ministry Preeti Saran told reporters.
The Prime Minister described the meeting as "productive". "Had a productive meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. We hadextensive discussions on enhancing India-Philippines bilateral cooperation especially in trade, business and culture," he tweeted.