The 6th Iran-Philippines Joint Consular Consultation Meeting was held on January 30-31 in Tehran.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Expatriates' Affairs Hassan Qashqavi announced in the gathering that Iran is fully prepared to enhance consular ties with the Philippines in the positive international atmosphere, brought by a lasting nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
For his part, Filipino Deputy Foreign Minister Rafael Seguis, who was heading an 8-strong delegation comprised of representatives from the Southeast Asian country’s various organizations, stressed the need for efforts to simplify visa formalities, saying it will help boost bilateral trade, cultural interaction and tourism between the two nations.
The two sides also agreed to seriously pursue and implement the previous agreements, including an extradition treaty, as well as agreements on police cooperation in the fight against human trafficking, narcotics and other organized crimes.
They also agreed to settle the problems of Iranian students in the Philippines and to strengthen scientific and cultural relations.
The two diplomats further signed a cooperation agreement on the consular affairs at the conclusion of the meeting.
Iran and the Philippines started bilateral relations in 1974. In recent years, the two countries have expressed their desire to work to enhance the existing friendly relations and to increase cooperation in various political, economic and cultural areas.