Philippines and Croatia Revitalizes Partnership in High-Level Talks

Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro (5th from left), Ambassador-designate Evangelina Lourdes “Luli” Arroyo-Bernas (4th from left), Director General for Political Affairs Petar Mihatov of the Croatian Foreign Ministry (4th from right),  Croatian Ambassador to the Philippines  Nebojša Koharović, with residency in Indonesia (3rd from right) are joined by their respective delegations for the 4th PH-HR Political Consultations. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)

MANILA 23 March 2023 – The Philippines and Croatia successfully concluded their 4th Political Consultations in Manila on 20 March 2023, with both countries agreeing to boost their existing long-standing partnership by developing new areas of cooperation. The Philippine and Croatian delegations were led by Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Director General for Political Affairs Petar Mihatov, respectively.

The consultations were held as both countries prepare to commemorate the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations this year.  

During the meeting, the Philippines advocated for further cooperation in, labor, science, technology and innovation, education, tourism, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and in the Defense and Maritime sectors.  It was also announced that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the University of Zagreb and the Far Eastern University to mark the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.

In-depth discussions also took place regarding ASEAN-EU and PH-EU relations, along with developments in the West Philippine Sea, human rights and respect for the rule of law. The Philippines and Croatia reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based multilateral order.  

In addition, there was a frank exchange of views regarding regional security concerns and perspectives on the situation in Ukraine and its implications in Europe and in Asia.

At the end of the consultations, both the Philippines and Croatia hoped that future meetings will follow as they serve as a platform for communication between the two nations and offer substantial prospects for enhancing productive collaboration to achieve shared objectives. END

The Philippine and Croatian delegations exchange views on bilateral and international issues of mutual concern. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)