Philippines and Finland Hold 7th Political Consultations

Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (right) and State Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Johanna Sumuvuori  (left) during the Political Consulations held today. (DFA-OPCD Photo by Vanessa Ubac)

PASAY CITY 25 January 2023 – The Philippines and Finland successfully concluded their 7th Political Consultations at the Manila Diamond Hotel in Manila today. The Philippine delegation was headed by Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, while the State Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Johanna Sumuvuori led the Finnish delegation.

During the Consultations, the Philippines apprised Finland on political and economic developments in the country, in the ASEAN region, the West Philippine Sea, and on the outcome of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit held in Brussels the previous year. Finland, on the other hand, led the discussions on European security concerns including the situation in Ukraine and Finland’s NATO membership.

Both countries reaffirmed the strong friendship and partnership between them and their governments’ willingness to work together in seizing opportunities and managing challenges ahead.

The meeting also covered a wide range of issues affecting bilateral relations, including experiences and cooperation opportunities in the areas of trade; education; science and technology; Smart, Green and Digital technologies; green transition and clean energy; maritime; immigration and labor; and creative industries.

Noting that Finland is a reliable, responsive, and equal partner of the Philippines, Undersecretary Lazaro expressed her confidence in seeing Philippine-Finland bilateral relations advance and deepen further. END

Philippine and Finnish Delegations pose for a photo during the Consultations. (DFA-OPCD Photo by Vanessa Ubac)