Ankara: Taiwan on Tuesday praised the Philippines for lifting a decades-old travel ban that had restricted its officials from visiting the island, calling the move a significant step toward deeper economic cooperation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the change, announced Monday, allows Philippine officials to visit Taiwan for trade and investment purposes. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry expressed its approval in a statement on X, saying, "We warmly welcome the positive move on the guidelines for official visits from the Philippines to Taiwan."

The ministry emphasized the importance of this development by stating, "This important step strengthens economic ties with our 9th largest trade partner and paves the way for stronger bilateral relations and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific."

The travel ban was initially introduced by the Philippines in 1987, during the presidency of Corazon Aquino. It broadly barred government officials from visiting Taiwan or hosting its delegations, as reported by the Philstar. This move was seen as Manila's adherence to Beijing's One China policy, which does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.

Despite the lifting of the ban, the updated guidelines maintain restrictions for high-ranking officials, including the president, vice president, foreign secretary, and defense secretary.