Undersecretary Lazaro Meets with Direction Committee President of Belgium's Federal Public Service - Foreign Affairs to Discuss PH-BE and PH-EU Relations

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro (left) meets with the President of the Direction Committee of Belgium’s Federal Public Service - Foreign Affairs, Ms. Theodora Gentzis (right), in Brussels. (DFA OUBRAA photo)

BRUSSELS 29 June 2023 – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro met with the President of the Direction Committee of Belgium’s Federal Public Service - Foreign Affairs, Ms. Theodora Gentzis, in Brussels on 29 June 2023 to discuss bilateral matters concerning the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as the Philippines’ relations with the European Union. 

During their meeting, Undersecretary Lazaro reiterated Manila’s commitment to implement the Joint Plan of Action in Fields of Mutual Interest between the Governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium that both sides signed in February 2023. Undersecretary Lazaro and Ms. Gentzis discussed cooperation in various fields such as trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, education and labor. 

On relations with the European Union, Undersecretary Lazaro reiterated Manila’s interest to resume talks on a bilateral free trade agreement, and the continuation of the PH participation in the EU GSP plus scheme.

On regional and international issues, Undersecretary Lazaro and Ms. Gentzis agreed on the importance of advocating a rules-based international order. Undersecretary Lazaro shared the Philippines’ policy and actions on the West Philippine Sea, anchored on the 2016 Award on the South China Sea Arbitration and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ms. Gentzis conveyed Belgium’s support for the 2016 Arbitral ruling.

“The Philippines and Belgium have enjoyed 77 years of cordial and productive diplomatic relations. We hope to take this further in the years to come on the basis of our shared values and common interests,” said Undersecretary Lazaro. END