The hague: The Philippines and the Netherlands are exploring potential cooperation on critical minerals to address the need for diversification amidst global supply chain uncertainties. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in The Hague on May 18.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro's visit marked the first official trip by a top Filipino diplomat to the Netherlands in 33 years, following Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Romulo's visit in June 1993. In a social media post, Berendsen described the discussions as 'fruitful,' highlighting both nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral trade, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth.
Berendsen expressed strong support for the early conclusion of negotiations on the Philippine-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which is anticipated to be finalized within the year. The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands stated that the ministers emphasized deepening economic relations and pledged collaboration in water management, semiconductors, smart agriculture, and renewable energy.
The two countries plan to strengthen supply-chain resilience by exploring initiatives on critical raw materials aimed at diversification and value addition. Additionally, they agreed to increase cooperation in maritime security, combating transnational crimes, sustainability, climate action, and other areas of mutual interest.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the ministers expressed concern over challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea. Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, they reaffirmed that the decision is 'legally binding and a significant contribution to international law and the interpretation and application of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.'
Regarding the Middle East crisis, both parties underscored the importance of maintaining stable global energy supply chains, maritime trade routes, and the protection and well-being of seafarers and freedom of navigation.
The Philippines and the Netherlands established formal relations on May 17, 1951, which have steadily grown over the years. The Netherlands remains one of the Philippines' top investor-countries and is often the leading source of foreign investments among the European Union member states. Dutch investments in the Philippines have reached PHP755 billion (EUR 12 billion) over the past 12 years.
Prominent Dutch companies operating in the Philippines include ING Bank N.V., Nexperia and Ampleon, Royal Boskalis, Friesland Campina, East West Seed, Shell, Philips, and Royal Haskoning. The Netherlands is also the Philippines' second-largest trading partner and export market in Europe, with bilateral trade increasing annually by approximately 10 percent. The majority of Philippine exports to Europe enter through the Port of Rotterdam.
According to the embassy, the two countries have existing cooperation agreements in economic and technical cooperation, investment promotion and protection, merchant shipping, air services, social security, and trafficking in persons, among others.
