Makati City: The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have agreed to establish a dialogue to deepen cooperation on defense and security, aimed at combating emerging challenges such as cyber threats, foreign interference, and information manipulation. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and EU's chief diplomat, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, made the announcement following a lunch meeting in Makati City on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Manalo stated that this mechanism will serve as a platform for the Philippines and the EU to discuss security and defense-related issues with greater depth and regularity. 'As like-minded partners committed to a rules-based international order, we hope that through the security and defense dialogue, we will remain proactive and united in addressing emerging security threats and challenges that transcend borders,' said Manalo.
Kallas added that the dialogue will facilitate the exchange of expertise and exploration of possible joint initiatives on security and defense. 'Our work will be comprehensive and will include maritime security, cyber security, foreign information manipulation and interference, counterterrorism, crisis response and more,' she noted. The new dialogue is viewed as a milestone in Philippine-EU relations, which Kallas described as being on a "positive trajectory."
The date for the first meeting has yet to be set. The dialogue is part of a broader framework of sub-committee meetings between the Philippines and EU under their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which also addresses maritime concerns. Over the weekend, the Philippines reinforced its defense ties with key European partners during high-level bilateral meetings at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong stated that Secretary Teodoro and Kallas met with various European officials to discuss mutual interests, including maritime security, cybersecurity, and defense industry development. France reaffirmed its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, the UK emphasized stronger naval cooperation, and Sweden and Lithuania explored joint military training and cyber defense collaboration.
The meetings underscored the Philippines' commitment to deepening defense partnerships with European nations that support peace, security, and sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
