The Philippines was one of the first country to recognize Bangladesh’s independence and statehood in 1972. The relationship between the two countries has expanded in many areas including in education, agriculture, defense, pharmaceuticals, migration, climate change and trade and investment. In celebration of the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the Philippines, the UP Asian Center and the Embassy of Bangladesh held a hybrid seminar on November 17, 2022. H.E.F.M Borhan Uddin, the Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines; Mr. M.d. Najmul Huda, Director General of Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ms. Maria Anna Lilia De Vera-Schinazi, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, shared some of the achievements, challenges and potentials of Bangladesh-Philippine relations. Video messages were also given by H.E. Enrique Manalo, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.

Prof. Lorna Israel of the Department of International Studies participated in the event. Israel is currently the Vice President of the Philippines Middle East Studies Association (PMESA).