ISLAMABAD, MAY 25 (DNA) – The Ambassador of Philippines Daniel R Espiritu has said both countries enjoy cordial relations adding Philippines like many other Asian countries we also experienced 300 years of colonial life.

He expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of 119^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Philippines.

Ambassador Espiritu further said, ever since independence Philippines has been actively involved in various regional and international forums.

He said relations with Pakistan started soon after independence of Pakistan in 1947. The first consulates started working in 1950, which in 1956 was upgraded to embassy.

Since then relations between two countries have progressed steadily. Pakistan happens to be Philippines 37^th trading partner of the Philippines out of 182 countries, he added.

The ambassador said people to people relations between the two countries have also increased manifold. Currently there are about 1500 Philippines people living in Pakistan in different capacities.

State Minister for CADD Tariq Fazal Chaudhry who was the chief guest on the occasion also spoke and expressed hope relations between Pakistan and Philippines will grow further in the coming days.=DNA

=================