Assistant Secretary Garcia (left photo) and Deputy Director General Sooklal (right photo) lead their respective delegations in the discussions during the meeting.

The 2nd Philippines-South Africa BCF followed up on the results of the 1st Philippines-South Africa BCF held on 30 January 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa, and the commitments made during the official working visit of DFA Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. del Rosario to South Africa last year. The meeting discuss several proposed bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, medical tourism, agriculture, importation of agricultural products, such as citrus fruits, and air services agreement.

The meeting was also an opportunity to personally thank the South African Government for sending two rescue teams that assisted in the disaster relief efforts and delivered food, medicine and other equipment to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.