Joint Statement
of Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique A. Manalo
and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis
MANILA 24 April 2024 – Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique A. Manalo, and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, convened in Manila on 24 April 2024 to strengthen the ties between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Lithuania. It is the first official visit to the Philippines by a Lithuanian Foreign Minister in their three-decade long diplomatic relations.
The Foreign Ministers noted the expanding relations between the Philippines and Lithuania, which was affirmed with the signing on 18 September 2023 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultations between the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. In this connection, the Ministers look forward to the inaugural Philippine-Lithuania bilateral consultations in June 2024 to sustain diplomatic exchanges and deepen bilateral relations.
The Philippines and Lithuania highlighted the significance of enhancing overall bilateral economic relations in various areas such as trade and investments, clean energy, where Lithuanian experience could be beneficial to the development and operations of LNG terminals, science and technology, including digitalization of public and private services, health and laser technology, and people-to-people links.
Ministers welcomed the resumption of negotiations on the Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Ministers Manalo and Landsbergis emphasized that the Philippines and Lithuania share the same values and interests, including the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law.
The Ministers discussed the global impacts of respective security developments in both Europe and the Indo Pacific, and both countries recognize the importance of fostering security, stability, and prosperity in the world. Both Ministers underscored their commitment to a rules-based international order.
Both ministers expressed concern over the challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea. The Ministers recognized the importance of an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. The Ministers discussed the importance of trade diversification as a key element of economic security. Seeking to boost cooperation with Indo Pacific countries, Lithuania adopted its national Indo-Pacific strategy.
The two countries regard the final and legally binding Award in the South China Sea Arbitration of 12 July 2016 as a significant contribution to international law, and the interpretation and application of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine undermined the foundations of the rules-based international order and the principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter. This also has severe implications to global security. Both Ministers expressed concern about the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and reiterated United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1, and expressed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Finally, Ministers Manalo and Landsbergis reiterated their commitment to foster a strong partnership and develop the full potential of Philippines-Lithuania relations. END