Philippines, Cyprus sign higher education, research deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Cyprus have signed a cooperation agreement in higher education and research.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation, which will allow both countries to strengthen their partnership and strategic collaboration in higher education, teaching, student learning and research.

The two ministers met on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday to discuss prospects for further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Lazaro and Kombos reaffirmed their commitment to elevate the longstanding relations between the Philippines and Cyprus, highlighting more than 45 years of cooperation.

They discussed ways to strengthen political and economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

At the same meeting, Kombos conveyed Cyprus’ decision to endorse the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being