Philippines and Mongolia Agree on English Language Training
The Philippines and Mongolia have formalized a new agreement that will enable Mongolian government officials and youth leaders to study English in the Philippines. This partnership aims to enhance language skills and foster stronger ties between the two countries.
During a bilateral meeting held in Manila, both parties also acknowledged the progress in negotiating an agricultural cooperation agreement. This initiative addresses pressing concerns about global food security, highlighting the shared priority both nations place on this critical issue.
Expanding Educational and Agricultural Cooperation
Given Mongolia’s recent designation of English as its official second language, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Mongolian counterpart exchanged notes to launch a pilot program. This program, organized by the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines, will offer English language training specifically for Mongolian civil servants and youth leaders, especially those from rural areas.
According to a joint statement released after the meeting, “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to tangible cooperation through joint initiatives focused on English language training for civil servants and youth leaders, particularly in rural areas, with the aim of promoting inclusive capacity building, strengthening mutual understanding, and contributing meaningfully to Mongolia’s long-term regional development objectives.”
Food Security and Strategic Partnerships
Both ministers emphasized food security as a top priority for their countries. They expressed a strong commitment to supporting sustainable food systems at regional and global levels. This commitment is being formalized through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation currently under negotiation.
Following the bilateral talks, the Mongolian official also paid courtesy visits to the Philippine President and the Senate President, reinforcing the importance of the growing partnership.
Shared Values and Regional Stability
The discussions also highlighted shared values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. Both countries stressed the need for an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order grounded in law, equity, and justice. Mongolia expressed support for the Philippines’ efforts to peacefully resolve disputes, underscoring the importance of adhering to international law amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
In a joint press briefing, the officials emphasized “the importance of adherence to the United Nations Charter” and reaffirmed their commitment to the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes. The declaration calls on all nations to resolve conflicts without threats or use of force.
Boosting Economic and Security Cooperation
Recognizing that both the Philippines and Mongolia are among the world’s fastest-growing economies, the two sides agreed to expand trade and investment through broader economic cooperation. They also shared a common vision of a nuclear weapons-free world. Both pledged to continue promoting nuclear weapons-free zones as critical confidence-building measures that advance regional security and global disarmament, especially in the context of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) review process.
Further cooperation will extend to tourism, education and labor exchanges, culture and sports, science and technology innovation, disaster risk reduction, defense, counterterrorism, air services, and efforts to combat transnational crime.
Protecting Filipino Workers Abroad
The Mongolian official committed to safeguarding the welfare of approximately 500 Filipino workers in Mongolia. Discussions also explored the possibility of establishing a bilateral labor agreement to further strengthen labor ties.
This new agreement on English language training marks a significant step in deepening the Philippines-Mongolia relationship across multiple sectors. The collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to peace, development, and shared prosperity.
For more news and updates on Philippines-Mongolia relations, visit Filipinokami.com.