10th Political Consultations Reaffirm Philippines-Switzerland Ties

Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre (5th from L) and Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg (6th from L) lead the Philippine and Swiss delegations during the 10th Philippines-Switzerland Political Consultations. Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland, H.E. Bernard Faustino M. Dy (6th from R), joins the Philippine delegation. 

BERNE 21 November 2023 – The Philippines and Switzerland  convened the 10th round of Political Consultations on 16 November 2023 in Berne. The Philippine delegation was led by Assistant Secretary Maria Elena P. Algabre of the Office of European Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Swiss delegation was led by Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant State Secretary for Asia and Pacific Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg.

The political consultations covered a wide range of issues—trade and investment, the peace process in Mindanao, human rights, consular matters,  ASEAN and the UN. Switzerland has played a crucial role in the Philippines’ peace process, particularly as past chair, and now as advisor,  of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission. In terms of economic relations, Switzerland is  represented by around 60 Swiss companies present in the Philippines.

The two sides also exchanged views on climate change, the Indo-Pacific,  and the current situation in Myanmar, Ukraine, and Gaza.  On the West Philippine Sea, both sides emphasized the need for peaceful means and dialogue among parties involved. They agreed that  international law, notably  the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, must be respected by all.

Both sides committed to continue their active coordination towards further strengthening of their bilateral relations. The Philippines invited Switzerland to the 11th Political Consultations to be held in Manila. END

The Philippine and Swiss delegations discuss bilateral relations, multilateral issues, and regional concerns.