PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos exchanged Tuesday insights in addressing the problems of insurgency and illegal drugs in their respective countries.

Aquino welcomed Santos in Malacañang for a bilateral meeting.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino congratulated Santos on significant developments in Columbia's peace process and negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia and expressed good wishes on scheduled signing of final agreement in 2016.

"He (Aquino) offered Philippine assistance and advice in peace process, if needed," he said.

The Aquino administration has been engaged in a peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Coloma also said the two leaders noted their countries' common concerns on combating illegal drug trade and drug abuse.

"Like Columbia, the Philippines is taking steps to improve people's quality of life by bringing social opportunities closer to them, thus channeling their energies to legitimate sources of income," he said.

He said Santos offered Columbia's knowledge and experience in anti-insurgency and anti-illegal drugs campaign, citing decades-long fight in these two fronts.

Aquino thanked Santos for accepting the Philippine invitation to participate in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation-Pacific Alliance informal conversation. (SDR/Sunnex)