Zardari urges stronger Pakistan–Philippines trade, private-sector collaboration

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called for deeper economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Philippines, particularly in food and pharmaceutical trade, while encouraging greater private-sector partnerships to boost bilateral engagement.

He made the remarks during a meeting with former Philippine President and current Member of the House of Representatives Gloria Macapagal, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Welcoming Ms Macapagal, the president said Pakistan and the Philippines share more than seven decades of friendship and cooperation in the political, economic, and defence fields. He described the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Defence Cooperation as a significant milestone in strengthening defence ties.

President Zardari congratulated the Philippines on assuming the ASEAN Chairship for 2026 and appreciated Manila’s continued support for Pakistan’s engagement with the regional bloc. He also lauded the Philippines’ leadership on climate resilience, including its role in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund to be based in Manila.

Expressing solidarity with the people of the Philippines, he extended condolences over the loss of lives and property caused by the recent earthquake in Cebu and Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong.

The president also praised the Philippines for granting long-term residence permits to Pakistanis married to Filipino nationals and expressed hope for reciprocal facilitation for Pakistani visitors.

Ms Macapagal thanked President Zardari for the warm welcome and reiterated her country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. She also conveyed sympathies over the loss of lives in terrorist incidents in Pakistan.

Recalling her father’s 1959 visit to Pakistan as President of the Philippines, Ms Macapagal said the two nations have long shared bonds of mutual respect and friendship. She added that as part of the Global South and being the fifth most populous nation, Pakistan has an important leadership role to play.

The meeting was also attended by Philippine Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Senator Sherry Rehman, and Senator Saleem Mandviwala.