Philippine Ambassador Dr Emmanuel R Fernandez called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Friday and discussed a variety of issues with her, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Bilateral relations, investment, climate change, defence cooperation and people-to-people contacts were discussed in the meeting.
The meeting also discussed political, constitutional and parliamentary cooperation.
The agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Punjab in the meeting.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated the Philippines on the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif offered investment in Punjab to Filipino investors and assured full cooperation and facilities.
Talking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said the friendship between Pakistan and the Philippines is a strong and dignified relationship spanning 76 years.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Lahore and the land of Punjab always keep their doors open to friendly countries.
Spiritual and cultural values, peace, humanity and harmony between Pakistan and the Philippines are our common heritage, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said 25 MoUs and the 2022 Defence Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and the Philippines are giving a new dimension to the relations.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed condolences over loss of lives in recent earthquakes and storms in the Philippines.
Pakistan stands with the people of the Philippines in this hour of grief, Maryam Nawaz said.
Floods and typhoons have affected both Pakistan and the Philippines equally, Maryam Nawaz said.
Maryam Nawaz said the role of Pakistan and the Philippines in the formation of the Loss and Damage Fund is a matter of pride.
Punjab wants to benefit from the Philippines’ disaster management expertise through institutional exchanges, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said Pakistan fully supports sustainable peace and de-radicalization initiatives.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Punjab is the economic backbone of Pakistan and 60 percent of the national GDP is generated from this province.
There are vast opportunities in IT, energy, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, logistics and construction sectors, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.
SIFC and PBIT are providing one-window facility and policy stability to investors, Maryam Nawaz said.
World-class infrastructure, tax incentives and customs facilities are available in Punjab’s special economic zones, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said Pakistan is ready to further enhance cooperation in the areas of defence training, joint exercises and counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing.
Thousands of Filipinos live in Pakistan and a large number of Pakistanis live in the Philippines, which strengthens mutual friendship, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.
She said Lahore's UNESCO Creative City and ECO Tourism Capital 2027 honor will open new doors for cultural and tourism cooperation.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan and the Philippines are determined to further strengthen their relationship based on friendship, trust and shared values.
She said Punjab is determined to take mutual partnership to new heights in every field.
Reporter Rao Dilshad Hussain