24 February 2015 – Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on Monday, February 23, to discuss ways to boost bilateral ties in the first high-level visit by a Slovak delegation to the Philippines since 2001.

Deputy Prime Minister Lajčák’s visit took place as the Philippines and the Slovak Republic held their inaugural Political Consultations on February 23. Secretary Del Rosario led the Philippine delegation, while Deputy Prime Minister Lajčák led the Slovak side in a robust exchange of views on bilateral, regional and global concerns. The discussion focused on further strengthening ties in key areas of cooperation such as agriculture, trade and investments, education and culture, defense and energy. Elevating bilateral trade from its current modest level was given special emphasis by the Ministers.

The meeting also touched on the Philippines’ priorities for the ASEAN Integration and its chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2015.

Earlier, in the Deputy Prime Minister’s courtesy call on Secretary Del Rosario, the two Ministers agreed on the importance of a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the West Philippine Sea under the framework of international law.

A Joint Plan of Action between the Philippines and the Slovak Republic was also signed during the meeting. Under this framework, the Philippines and the Slovak Republic will commit to enhance trade and investment cooperation, renewable energy, defense, address concerns on consular matters and law enforcement, increase cultural and educational cooperation, strengthen people to people ties, and emphasize cooperation in various multilateral fora such as the United Nations (UN) and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Prior to the meeting, the Minister and his delegation visited the Avion Power Plant in Batangas on Sunday, February 22, and offered a wreath at the Rizal Monument on Monday, February 23.  The Slovak energy and engineering firm Istroenergo Group supplied the gas turbines for the plant, which will be operational in the latter half of 2015. It is expected to boost the power-generating capacity of the Luzon grid. 

Deputy Prime Minister Lajčák and the Slovak delegation also called on Vice President Jejomar Binay and Defense Undersecretary Fernando I. Manalo during his visit. END