Taiwan welcomed on Tuesday the Philippine government’s recent policy shift allowing for more significant official interactions that will enhance economic, trade and investment ties between the two nations.

Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 21 April, the memorandum amends a decades-old policy issued in 1987 that limited official exchanges with Taiwan in adherence to the One-China Policy.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed appreciation for what he described as Manila’s “pragmatic efforts” to strengthen bilateral ties.

He said the new regulations will help Taiwan expand its substantive cooperation with the Philippines under this broader diplomatic approach.

The circular, however, maintained the travel ban to Taiwan for Philippine officials, including the President, Vice President, and the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense.

Meanwhile, other government representatives are permitted to travel to Taiwan for specific engagements using ordinary passports.

It will also allow Filipino officials to receive Taiwanese delegations in the country for trade and investment purposes, provided that there is a clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President.

Taiwan is among the Philippines’ top trading partners, placing eighth in exports, ninth in total trade, and 10th as a source of imports.