Philippines, Palestine sign landmark deal

The Philippines and Palestine took a major step in their decades-old ties on Tuesday, November 18, signing a memorandum of understanding to hold regular political consultations and launching talks on a visa waiver for diplomats.

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The milestone came during the first-ever visit by a Palestinian foreign minister to Manila, making Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin the highest-level Palestinian official to visit the Philippines since their bilateral relations were established 36 years ago.

“This high-level visit is reflective of our growing partnership and our mutual commitment to further strengthen our cooperation,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said during a joint press conference with Shahin after their bilateral talks.

“We both agreed that it is high time for our countries to forge more robust and practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Lazaro added.

The memorandum of understanding signed Tuesday is designed to allow for regular political consultations, giving the Philippines and Palestine a structured forum to review their bilateral ties, explore areas of cooperation, and coordinate on shared priorities. Officials said the first round of consultations is expected next year.