On 24 July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Teresa Lazaro signed a joint statement upgrading EU-Philippines relations to an Enhanced Partnership. The upgrade, announced in a press release by the EEAS on 28 July, aims to deepen cooperation on foreign affairs, security, good governance, rule of law, human rights, climate change, green transition, and digital issues under the Global Gateway Strategy, as well as promoting people-to-people exchanges. This marks a significant step in bilateral ties, with no prior coverage of this specific development in recent months. The Enhanced Partnership is expected to provide a framework for more structured dialogue and joint initiatives, benefiting both EU and Philippine stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and civil society. For the EU, the partnership strengthens its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, while the Philippines gains access to EU expertise and investment in sustainable development and digital transformation.
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