The Philippine and Irish governments have agreed to meet annually to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Ireland Ambassador to the Philippines William Carlos signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a bilateral consultations mechanism (BCM) for the Philippines and Ireland.

“The signing of the MOU will pave the way for increased cooperation and enhanced bilateral exchanges between the Philippines and Ireland, taking our relations to new heights. The Philippines and Ireland both look forward to conduct(ing) political consultations by next year,” Manalo said.

Under the MOU, delegations from the Philippines and Ireland will meet annually, either in person or through teleconferencing, to discuss cooperation and regional matters of mutual concern.

The meeting will be held on an alternating basis in Manila and Dublin, or a third location such as the sidelines of an international conference, if deemed necessary by both sides.

At these meetings, the Philippines and Ireland are expected to review and evaluate the state of political, economic, consular and cultural relations between the two countries, and exchange insights on international affairs.

The MOU was signed as both countries celebrated this year the 39th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-Ireland diplomatic relations. (PNA)