Manila: Belgium is aiming to strengthen its relationship with the Philippines by exploring collaboration in the maritime and energy sectors, as well as other areas like security and cultural exchanges. This was announced by Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Pr©vot during a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pr©vot emphasized Belgium's intent to engage more deeply with like-minded partners in Asia, including the Philippines. He highlighted the shared values between the two nations, such as a commitment to international law, open markets, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. Pr©vot noted the importance of reinforcing ties with partners during these "troubled times" to advocate for a respect for international rules.
During a bilateral meeting, Pr©vot and Lazaro agreed to fully implement the Philippine-Belgium Joint Plan of Action 2023-2027. They identified new areas for potential partnership, including maritime cooperation, legal and police collaboration, creative industries, science and technology, and trade and investment, with a focus on semiconductors and renewable energy.
Pr©vot expressed Belgium's willingness to offer its expertise in offshore renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, to assist the Philippines in its energy transition. He also pointed out the potential for expanding partnerships in maritime education and training, port development, logistics, dredging, coastal protection, maritime safety, and seafarer welfare.
Pr©vot stated, "The message of my visit is therefore straightforward: Belgium is present, Belgium is engaged, and Belgium wishes to do more - more trade, more investment, more maritime cooperation, more exchanges between our people, more collaboration in security and more partnership within the wider ASEAN and Indo-Pacific contexts."
In terms of multilateral cooperation, Pr©vot mentioned Belgium's support for the swift conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union, expected to be signed in the coming months. He stressed the importance of the FTA to open new economic opportunities, noting Belgium's reliance on exports for a significant portion of its GDP.
Pr©vot also affirmed Belgium's support for the United Nations Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), referencing the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitration Award on the South China Sea.
Secretary Lazaro expressed gratitude for Belgium's support of the EU-Philippines FTA and confirmed Manila's endorsement of Belgium's application to join the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. She expressed optimism that the recent visit and proposed partnerships under the Joint Plan of Action would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Pr©vot's visit marks the first by a Belgian foreign minister to the Philippines as the two nations celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations. Belgium ranks as the 30th biggest trading partner of the Philippines, with a total trade value of USD480.14 million in 2025.
