Manila, May 12 -- The Philippines formally established diplomatic relations with the Caribbean state of Grenada, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo signed a Joint Communique with Grenada Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Joseph Andall to establish formal diplomatic relations, on the sidelines of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting on May 8.

In a statement, the DFA said the signing heralds a "new era in the friendly ties between" the Philippines and Grenada.

With this, the Philippines now has diplomatic ties with 14 CARICOM countries.

Manalo met with the foreign ministers of the CARICOM in St. Kitts and Nevis from May 8 to 9 and d...