Secretary Manalo Participates in Munich Security Conference, Reaffirms Philippines’ Commitment to Defending Rules-Based International Order
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo at the 61st Munich Security Conference held on 14-16 February 2025 in Munich, Germany
MUNICH 17 February 2025 – Reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to a rules-based international order and the rule of law, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo attended the 61st Munich Security Conference in Bavaria’s capital from 14 to 16 February 2025, where he engaged in high-level discussions with global leaders and policymakers to advance regional security and multilateral cooperation.
Secretary Manalo served as a panelist in the roundtable discussion on 15 February 2025 entitled, “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific.” In his intervention, the Secretary described the situation in the South China Sea. He emphasized, “Whenever the Philippines undertakes any kind of activity within our Exclusive Economic Zone, as defined by UNCLOS, we [do so] well within our rights.” He urged other countries to abide by international law and not assert their own laws or their own interpretations, and underscored that the Philippines would remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the region, including through dialogue and consultation.
On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary Manalo held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Europe, North America, and South America. He also met with business executives and civil society leaders to discuss innovation, growth, and future partnerships.
Secretary Manalo was one of around 150 ministers who attended the forum, together with over 50 heads of state and government.
Secretary Manalo was accompanied in Munich by Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad. END
Secretary Enrique A. Manalo (2nd from R) at the roundtable discussion, “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific,” together with his co-panelists, (L-R) H.E. Fu Ying, Founding Chair of the Center for International Security and Strategy of Tsinghua University and former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People´s Republic of China, Christopher A. Coons Senator, Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of the United States of America, and H.E. Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defense of the Republic of Singapore. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Lynn Kuok, Brookings Institution (far right).