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DFA Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Petronilla P. Garcia (10th from left) welcomes South African International Affairs and Cooperation Deputy Director General for Asia and the Middle East Dr. Anil Sooklal (11th from left) during the 2nd Philippine-South Africa Bilateral Consultative Forum held at the DFA on 10 February 2014. With them are the members of the Philippine and South African delegations to the meeting.

21 February 2014 - The Philippines hosted the 2nd Philippines-South Africa Bilateral Consultative Forum (BCF) on February 10 at the C.P. Garcia Hall, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Building, Pasay City.

The Philippine delegation was headed by DFA Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Petronila P. Garcia while Dr. Anil Sooklal, Deputy Director General for Asia and the Middle East of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation headed the South African delegation.

“"The Philippine hosting of the 2nd Philippines-South Africa Bilateral Consultative Forum is a confirmation of strengthening relations between the Philippines and South Africa and that the Philippines is committed to engage South Africa especially in the economic arena," Assistant Secretary Garcia said.