13 July 2015 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Gerard Koenders affirmed the strong ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands following the first bilateral meeting between the two officials in The Hague on July 06.
The two Ministers expressed confidence on the state of bilateral relations, noting that 2016 will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. They agreed that relations could be deepened further through the creation of a bilateral consultative mechanism that will look at mutually beneficial partnerships in identified areas.
The two Ministers noted the strong economic relations between the Philippines and the Netherlands. The Netherlands is the 10th biggest trading partner of the country and, more impressively, the Philippines 3rd largest source of foreign direct investments for the past 10 years, behind the United States and Japan. A significant number of Dutch companies have established operations in the Philippines, many of which are household names.
Secretary Del Rosario and Minister Koenders cited significant developments that bode well for the future of bilateral economic relations, such as the grant by the European Union of GSP+ status to the Philippines, plans for future business missions, and increasing contacts between business organizations of the two countries. Secretary Del Rosario underscored that, with the robust growth of the Philippine economy firmly supported by the good governance policy of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, business opportunities abound for Dutch companies in the country.
The two ministers also stated that cooperation on combating trafficking of persons, climate change and the maritime sector are moving forward. Secretary Del Rosario said that the Philippines and the Netherlands are ideal partners in that they share similar values, such as respect for human rights, good governance and the rule of law. He reaffirmed the Philippine commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace for Mindanao.
Secretary Del Rosario, who is also in The Hague for the hearing of the Philippines’ arbitration case against China on the West Philippine Sea, reiterated the Philippines’ call for peaceful and rules-based settlement of disputes in accordance with the principles of international law.
An invitation to visit the Philippines later in the year was extended by Secretary Del Rosario to Foreign Minister Koenders. END