Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, met with Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, on the sidelines of the United Nations 78th General Assembly. Dr. Amir Abdollahian referred to the longstanding cordial and friendly relations between the two countries as “a very good capital for future relations”. Conveying the greetings of the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran to his Filipino counterpart, he added that we are ready to plan a visit or a call between the heads of the two states in the near future. Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian said we have no limits on the development of our bilateral relations with the Philippines. He added that the next century belongs to Asia and our countries may have a key role in the future. Dr. Amir Abdollahian added that we are ready to expand the commercial relations between the two countries and cooperate in science and technology and other fields of mutual interest. Referring to the global movement towards multilateralism, he considered this trend as an opportunity for countries like Iran and the Philippines. He added that we have common views and good cooperation in international organizations and we wish to continue this cooperation. He also emphasized the necessity of holding regular meetings of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries. Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, also pointed out the good relations and cooperation between the two countries and said that we can agree on the new fields of cooperation between the two countries in the future. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Foreign Secretary of the Philippines pointed out that we have a common view on respecting international law and supporting multilateralism in the international sphere, and said that our relations have always been good both at the bilateral and international levels, including in the United Nations, and the Philippines is ready to continue this cooperation. Secretary Manalo added that we are ready to hold the next meeting of the joint Consultative committee of the two countries in the near future. While thanking Minister Amir Abdollahian for his invitation, he also invited him to visit the Philippines.