Santiago, 24 November 2021 (TDI): The Philippines-Chile Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Agriculture, was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile.

The Ambassador of the Philippines to Chile, Teresita C. Daza attended the event. The Agriculture Minister of Chile signed the MoU. Later, William Dar, the Agriculture Secretary of the Philippines will sign it.

Philippines-Chile
Ambassador of the Philippines to Chile, Teresita C. Daza (left in the pictures) with the Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Maria Emilia Undurraga Marímon (right in the pictures)

During the official ceremony, the Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Maria Emilia Undurraga Marímon underscored the positive trajectory of Philippines-Chile relations. She emphasized that cooperation for mutual benefit is the cornerstone of relations between the two countries. The two partners celebrated the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic ties, this year.

Philippines-Chile Bilateral Cooperation

Aside from the agricultural arena, the Philippines and Chile cooperate in issues related to food security, climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. The MoU commemorates 75 years of strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Chile. The two plan to collaborate and are negotiating; in the culture, tourism, aquaculture and fisheries, and maritime sectors, as well.

The ceremony of signing the MoU was held in a hybrid format

Philippine Ambassador Teresita stressed that agriculture is vital for the economies of both partners. It generates revenue and employment long with ensuring food security, growth, and development of people.

She reiterated that the MOU will increase economic, technical, and commercial cooperation; from market study, agricultural policies research and education, organic agriculture, science and innovation, digital agriculture, as well as trade and investment.

The Ambassador of Chile to the Philippines, Claudio Rojas concluded the ceremony by lauding this latest development in the bilateral Philippines-Chile relationship.

Attendees of the Event

Ambassador Carlo Olguin, Director of DIRAPAC, and Consul Marco Navarro of the Chilean Embassy in Manila, National Director María José Irarrázaval of ODEPA (National Office for Agrarian Policies and Studies); participated in the ceremony, from the Chilean side.

Jose Miguel Rodriguez, Head of ODEPA International Affairs Division, and Fernando Balart, Agriculture Attaché of Chile for Asia also attended the signing ceremony.

First Secretary and Consul, Dennis John C. Briones of the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, and Secretary and Assistant to the Head of Post, Paula Rodriquez represented the Philippines, during the hybrid event.