European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas on Friday met with Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro in Metro Manila. The meeting took place as Kallas attended ASEAN ministerial gatherings during the Philippines’ term as ASEAN Chair, and concluded with the signing of a joint statement formally upgrading bilateral relations to an Enhanced Partnership.
Both sides confirmed that their long-standing ties are built on shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and are grounded in the existing EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The new partnership will expand cooperation across key areas including foreign policy and security, good governance, climate action, the green transition and digital development under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, as well as greater connections between people of both regions.
The two officials also discussed pressing geopolitical issues, and agreed to deepen collaboration on security and defence building on progress made since their first Security and Defence Dialogue in June 2025. Planned work covers maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats and countering foreign information interference. Both sides restated their commitment to an international order based on agreed rules that upholds peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific and worldwide. Kallas also congratulated the Philippines on its work as ASEAN Chair, and acknowledged the country’s consistent support for multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and relevant UN resolutions including those related to Ukraine.
