Press Statement on the Meeting Between Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines Enrique A. Manalo and Argentine Foreign Minister Lic. Santiago Andres Cafiero
13 September 2023, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of the Argentine Republic, Lic. Santiago Andres Cafiero met today at the Palacio San Martin.
Secretary Manalo is currently undertaking a historic visit to Buenos Aires upon the Minister’s invitation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit comes at a crucial time when Philippines-Argentina relations are both maturing and enjoying renewed vigor.
During their meeting, the Ministers discussed various issues of the bilateral agenda, developments in their respective regions, and global issues and developments affecting both countries. They followed-up on issues discussed during the 5th Bilateral Consultation Meeting in Manila and the first Ministerial-level Scientific and Technical Mission from the Philippines to Argentina that took place earlier this year
The partnership between the Philippines and Argentina is among the most enduring between the Latin American and Asian regions, and is underpinned by shared democratic principles and a common history. The Ministers reaffirmed the enduring and fraternal friendship between the Philippines and Argentina, which is founded on a shared vision embracing the centrality of a rules-based international order.
The Ministers recognized positive developments in the bilateral trade and investment relations while recognizing the vast potential for increased trade, and affirmed the importance of regional integration in ensuring peace, prosperity and stability.
The Ministers likewise discussed other areas for cooperation including nuclear and renewable energy, space, and forensic science and pathology. The Ministers also looked into the possibility of the Philippines importing rice from Argentina.
The Ministers also underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation and mutual support in the multilateral arena, particularly in the United Nations, South-South Cooperation as well as through other platforms.
As democratic nations with a shared vision and values, the Philippines and Argentina are united in their unwavering support for the role of multilateralism in advancing transformative and positive change in the global context.
The Ministers further discussed recent developments in the South China Sea, especially infringements on Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, and that disputes over sovereignty and territory must be resolved by peaceful means in accordance with the principles of international law. The Secretary underscored that the Philippines will continue to uphold and protect its entitlements under the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
As the Philippines and Argentina enter a new era in their diplomatic relations, the Ministers expressed satisfaction at the many milestones achieved in the last 75 years, and underscored the importance of sustaining momentum to ensure that the bonds of friendship remain strong and vibrant. END