DFA Convenes Interagency Briefing on Foreign Policy Issues

DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro opens the Interagency Briefing on Foreign Policy Issues with participants from around 28 government agencies on 08 March 2024.

PASAY 11 March 2024 – The Department of Foreign Affairs convened an Interagency Briefing on Foreign Policy Issues on 08 March 2024 at Seda Manila Bay. Over 58 attendees from 26 national government agencies participated in the meeting. The briefing was held to provide an overview of Philippine foreign policy on key regional and global developments, the role of government agencies and how to facilitate coordination in promoting Philippine national interests.

In her opening remarks, Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said, “In the implementation of Philippine foreign policy, I would sum our brand of diplomacy in these three words: our diplomacy is measured, intentional and responsible.” She emphasized that we follow the lead of the President, as Chief Architect of Philippine foreign policy.

Assistant Secretary for Policy Planning and Coordination Patrick Chuasoto briefed on current foreign policy issues and Assistant Secretary Raly Tejada briefed on the guidelines in the negotiation of international agreements. The government agencies engaged actively with the Department during the open forum and small group consultations that followed. 

This was the first comprehensive foreign policy briefing for national government agencies convened by the Department. END