High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro signed a joint statement on 24 July 2026 elevating EU-Philippines relations to an Enhanced Partnership. The upgrade, announced during Kallas' participation in ASEAN ministerial events in Metro Manila, will deepen cooperation on foreign affairs, security, governance, human rights, climate change, green transition, digital issues under the Global Gateway Strategy, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also discussed geopolitical challenges and agreed to expand security and defence cooperation, building on the Security and Defence Dialogue launched in June 2025, with a focus on maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and foreign information manipulation. They reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. Kallas congratulated the Philippines on its ASEAN Chairmanship and noted its consistent support for UN resolutions on Ukraine. The Enhanced Partnership formalizes a closer alignment between the EU and the Philippines, impacting trade, investment, and diplomatic coordination. The agreement is expected to boost EU-Philippines economic ties through Global Gateway investments and strengthen the Philippines' role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. No prior coverage of this development exists in recent records.
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