On 2 June, in Manila, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, met with Enrique A. Manalo, the Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs. This meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the European Union and the Philippines, rooted in shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
To address growing global security threats, both sides announced the establishment of a Security and Defence Dialogue, which will focus on issues such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and foreign information manipulation. Secretary Manalo emphasised the importance of strengthening security cooperation as a positive development for promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The inaugural meeting of this dialogue is scheduled for late 2025.
Both parties also recognised the benefits of ongoing initiatives, such as Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific (CRIMARIO II). They expressed their commitment to exploring further cooperation in maritime security and environmental monitoring. They reaffirmed respect for freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They expressed concerns over China’s actions against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.
Additionally, they highlighted the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties and welcomed the ongoing negotiations for an EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement. Both sides reiterated that human rights and good governance are essential pillars of their partnership and discussed the recent EU Election Observation Mission in the Philippines.
Both parties agreed to enhance cooperation on climate change and the green transition under the Global Gateway Strategy, which includes data sharing through the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme and the Team Europe Initiative supporting the Philippines’ transition to a circular economy.
They highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges in EU-Philippines cultural ties, such as Erasmus scholarships, which promote educational and vocational opportunities, strengthen research partnerships, and foster a more inclusive and interconnected future.
Additionally, the EU and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to addressing regional and global challenges. High Representative Kaja Kallas praised the Philippines for its active role in ASEAN and its support for multilateralism, the UN Charter, and relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, especially concerning Ukraine.
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both parties reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution. They also stressed the importance of preventing further escalation and the use of weapons of mass destruction.
Finally, the two sides supported initiatives for a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, adhering to the two-state solution and UN resolutions.
