Marcos hails PH-EU security, defense dialogue
President Marcos with High Representative and Vice President of the Europe Kaja Kallas (Photo from PCO)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the establishment of the Philippines-European Union (EU) Security and Defense Dialogue highlights the importance of addressing geopolitical challenges with nations that share similar values and adhere to a rules-based international order.
Marcos conveyed his appreciation to High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas for the EU's "continued and steadfast support" for the Philippines during a courtesy call in Malacañang on Monday.
Kallas is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit. This was her visit to the country
since her appointment on December 1, 2024.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, who also met with Kallas, said the high-level dialogue reaffirms the strong and growing ties between the Philippines and EU.
The inaugural meeting of a Dialogue is tentatively set to take place in the last quarter of 2025.
"The visit marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and the EU, rooted in shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, anchored in the Philippines-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, as well as the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific," said a joint press release on the meeting between Manalo and Kallas.
According to the release, the establishment of a Security and Defense Dialogue recognizes the "growing complexity of security threats."
'The dialogue addresses the current geopolitical challenges and will foster exchanges and cooperation in security and defense areas, including maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI),' said Kallas.
Both the Philippines and EU recognize the benefit of continued cooperation under initiatives such as Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific , Copernicus, and Enhancing security cooperation in and with Asia.
They also expressed their willingness to further explore joint activities and new opportunities for cooperation in line with shared strategic interests, including opportunities on connectivity and environmental monitoring, such as exchange of knowledge and best practices on submarine cables and uncrewed vessels.
They reaffirmed their commitment to respect freedom of navigation and overflight as provided for in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
"They express their concerns about China's illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive measures against Philippine vessels and aircraft conducting lawful maritime operations in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea. They reiterate their commitment to upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, which is final and binding," the statement said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
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