Philippines, EU launch security, defence dialogue to tackle emerging threats

The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to initiate a security and defence dialogue aimed at addressing emerging global threats such as cyber attacks and foreign interference, Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced on June 2.

The development was revealed during the visit to Manila by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who held meetings with Manalo and paid a courtesy call on Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters. 

"We hope that through the security and defence dialogue we will remain proactive and united in addressing emerging security threats that transcend borders, cyber attacks and foreign interference and manipulation of information," Manalo said in a joint press briefing with Kallas.

Kallas described the new dialogue as a “dedicated platform” for the regional bloc and the Philippines to deepen defence cooperation, share security expertise, and explore joint initiatives.

The initiative will be part of the broader partnership and cooperation agreement between the Philippines and the EU, which was signed in 2012 and came into effect in 2018.

Kallas reaffirmed the EU's commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and promoting peace, highlighting concerns over developments in the South China Sea and Russia's war against Ukraine.

"We reject any unilateral changes to the status quo, including use of coercion," Kallas said in response to a question about the EU's position on China's actions in areas such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.

China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian countries including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

By Sabina Mammadli