COASI Delegation Visit Marks Another Milestone in PH-EU Relations

The COASI delegation with the Office of European Affairs

MANILA 14 April 2025 — The Department of Foreign Affairs met with the Asia-Oceania Working Party of the Council of the European Union (COASI) delegation on 03 April 2025 to discuss the growing relations between the Philippines and the European Union, both bilaterally and regionally.

Ms. Susana Maria L. Mendiola, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, expressed her optimism for the COASI delegation's visit, emphasizing the significant value of these meetings with key sectors — from business leaders to government officials — in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Philippines' priorities and the evolving PH-EU partnership, along with exploring potential future cooperation Opportunities.

“This visit is a testament to the growing relations between the Philippines and the EU,” Ms. Mendiola remarked, adding that the COASI selects only one country per year for such in-depth visits.

Ms. Monika Bylaite, COASI Chair and Deputy Head of Division for South Asia in the European Union External Action Service (EEAS), also emphasized the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the Philippines and the EU. She described the relationship as “close, dynamic, and increasingly significant,” with both the PH and the EU making substantial progress across several areas of mutual interest.

The COASI delegation visited the Philippines from 31 March to 04 April 2025. The delegation held extensive discussions with various stakeholders involved in key PH-EU joint projects, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, climate change, maritime cooperation, good governance, human rights, and security.

The annual COASI visit is an essential part of the EU's approach to fostering stronger ties with its partners. END