During discussions Hon. Vasantha Senanayake, State Minister for Foreign Affairs had with the Philippines Secretary (Minister) of the Department of Labor and Employment, Hon. Silvestre H. Bello III, Sri Lanka and the Philippines have agreed in principle to enter into a framework of understanding to strengthen cooperation in the promotion and protection of welfare and rights of the expatriate workers, including facilitating enhancement of productivity and working conditions, occupational safety and health, training and certification of migrant workers of both countries.