DFA Holds Regional Consultation Meeting on Political and Economic Security for PH Ambassadors in Europe

The Philippine Ambassadors in Europe with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro (seated, 7th from right) and Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga (seated, 6th from left) at the Regional Consultation Meeting on Political and Economic Security on 17 to 18 March 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: DFA PH).

Rome, 21 March 2024 – The Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro, conducted a  Regional Consultation Meeting (RCM) on Political and Economic Security  for the twenty (20) Philippine Ambassadors to Europe from 17 to 18 March 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy. 

The regional consultation aimed to craft a comprehensive roadmap for Philippines-Europe relations that will guide the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in its engagements with European partners in the next few years. During the meeting, the twenty Ambassadors heading the Philippine Embassies in Europe took stock of recent developments and trends in the region, and exchanged views on how to deepen the Philippines’ political, defense and economic relations with partner European countries.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, in a video message, underscored that Philippine foreign policy must recognize Europe’s political and cultural diversity, while remaining mindful of the Philippines’ overarching goals of strengthening bilateral relations, fostering economic partnerships, and promoting the rights and welfare of Filipinos.

In her keynote message, Undersecretary Lazaro emphasized that the Philippines must be an equal partner and co-driver in its bilateral engagement with European countries. She reminded the Ambassadors that “we must seek to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity; advance the rules-based international order; help steer the Philippine economy back to a high-growth path; and most importantly, uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos and ensure their well-being.”

Officials from the Department of National Defense, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Justice served as resource speakers and took part in candid exchanges with the Philippine Ambassadors on matters relating to national security and economic concerns during the course of the two-day RCM. END

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro (seated, 6th from left) with the Philippine Ambassadors assigned to Philippine Embassies in Europe at the Regional Consultation Meeting on Political and Economic Security in Rome on 17 to 18 March 2024. (Photo credit: DFA PH).

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro calls on the Philippine Ambassadors to European countries to develop a comprehensive, assertive and purposeful Philippine Strategy for Europe during the Regional Consultation Meeting on Political and Economic Security in Rome on 17 to 18 March 2024. (Photo credit: DFA PH)