Manila:Slovakia and the Philippines have expressed a mutual interest in exploring collaborative opportunities in nuclear energy, water management, and information technology. This announcement followed a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who is in Manila for the formal opening of the Slovak Embassy and Slovakia's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Minister Blanár emphasized the potential for expanded cooperation on clean energy, highlighting Slovakia's experience and technical expertise in this area. He remarked on the importance of closer collaboration, noting the competitive challenges Slovakia faces within the European Union and the necessity of partnering with ASEAN and Indo-Pacific countries, where economic growth is apparent.

Blanár also mentioned Slovakia's robust defense industry as a potential area for partnership. The two countries plan to continue their discussions in Slovakia next year during their first formal political consultation, where they aim to identify further areas for cooperation. The meeting will occur at the level of State Secretary, providing a platform for comprehensive dialogue.

Beyond practical cooperation, Slovakia aims to enhance trade relations with the Philippines, especially in light of the approaching bilateral trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union. Blanár pointed out that current trade levels, at 80 million euros, are modest given the Philippines' significant economic size, suggesting substantial room for growth.

Accompanying Minister Blanár is a Slovak business delegation, scheduled to participate in a business forum and meetings with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit.