Duterte, Indian PM Modi discuss trade, defense, education in bilateral meeting

President Rodrigo Duterte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed trade, defense, and education during their bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, an official said early Thursday.

India Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a tweet said an agreement to facilitate investments was also witnessed by the two leaders.

Adding momentum to the close relationship! PM @narendramodi met with President of Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte. Trade and investment, defence & security, education and people-to-people cooperation were discussed. An agreement to facilitate investment was signed. #aseanindia pic.twitter.com/qmojpsbIDI

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 24, 2018

A release from Malacañang said that the memorandum of agreement was signed between the Board of Investments and the Invest India.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez represented the Philippines during the exchange while India Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Preeti Saran represented the Indian government.

Scenes from Hyderabad House during Pres. Duterte and Indian PM Modi's bilateral meeting ????: Palace pic.twitter.com/q48NtI9ynZ

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) January 25, 2018

In a separate tweet, Modi said he was “delighted” to meet Duterte.

“The vigour and momentum in India-Philippines ties augur well for our nations and the Indo-Pacific region,” he posted.

Delighted to meet Mr. Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines. The vigour and momentum in India-Philippines ties augur well for our nations and the Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/qm92FuVHLm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2018

Duterte arrived at New Delhi International Airport at 5:35 p.m. (8:05 p.m. Manila time) to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-India Commemorative Summit and the host country’s Republic Day.

Pres. Duterte arrived in India at 5:35 p.m. or 8:05 p.m. Manila time on Wednesday. Duterte then had a meeting with India Minister of State for Higher Education Dr. Satya Pal Singh upon his arrival at the New Delhi International Airport. ????: Palace pic.twitter.com/R2ZiwjLTKV

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) January 25, 2018

Pres. Duterte interacts with his "lean" delegation and with the pilots of PR001 on their way to New Delhi for ASEAN-India special summit. ????: Palace pic.twitter.com/MT0bxmlBsZ

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) January 25, 2018

This is Dutete’s first foreign trip of the year. — MDM, GMA News