Metro Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed two memoranda of agreement on Saturday, Nov. 14, seeking to reinforce cooperation in agriculture and the effective enforcement of competition laws between the Philippines and Brazil.

The two leaders said the signing of the pacts on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits marks the beginning of the two countries’ deepening partnership, built on shared heritage and mutual respect.

Marcos said the bilateral cooperation will cover key areas beneficial to Filipinos, including renewable energy and biofuels, livestock production and animal health, modern farming, education, science and technology and law enforcement.

Discussions in the meeting also touched on potential cooperation in the defense industry, including research and development and possible co-production, to strengthen the Philippines’ self-reliant defense posture.