Press Statement of
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo on the Bilateral Meeting with Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See
H. E. Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher
02 July 2024
His Excellency Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher,
Honored members of the Philippine Delegation, and the Delegation of the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila,
Members of the Press Corps;
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
I am pleased to welcome Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher to Manila. His visit is a milestone in our seventy-three (73) years of diplomatic relations with the Holy See, as it is the first visit to the Philippines of a Secretary for Foreign Relations with States of the Holy See. The continued exchanges between Archbishop Gallagher and myself, which started in Munich last year, are a testament to the joint commitment of the Philippines and the Holy See to advance and strengthen our relations.
During our meeting today, we discussed strengthening our cooperation in various issues where the Philippines and the Holy See make common cause.
We exchanged updates on a proposed agreement on higher education, between the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education, and the Holy See’s Dicastery for Culture and Education. The proposed agreement will allow for mutual recognition of degrees which would benefit Filipino priests and nuns pursuing further studies in different ecclesiastical and Catholic educational institutions of the Holy See. We are committed towards the conclusion of an MOU.
The Philippines and the Holy See share advocacy on migration governance, stressing the importance of safe migration pathways and the humane treatment of all migrants. Having both endorsed the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, we aim to enhance the international cooperation on migration and ensure the protection of migrants’ rights, recognizing the migrants’ positive contribution to sustainable development. We have also actively collaborated on combating human trafficking globally. Last March, the Philippines and the Holy See co-organized a side-event entitled, “Innovative Partnerships to End Trafficking in Women and Girls: The Santa Marta Group Model,” this was done at the sidelines of the 68th Commission on the Status of Women in the UN, New York.
The Philippines and the Holy See have also consistently espoused similar positions on climate change and climate resilience. His Holiness Pope Francis has underscored how these issues affect the most vulnerable, a situation vividly experienced by Filipinos hard-hit by extreme weather conditions brought on by climate change. I note that, in his 2015 visit to the Philippines, His Holiness specifically sought to encourage victims of typhoons in Palo, Leyte and Tacloban, underscoring his personal concern over this issue. [and] The Philippines share His Holiness’ call for the urgent need to work together to address the climate crisis. [and] We look forward to close collaborations in this area with the Holy See.
We also discussed further cooperation in the area of interfaith dialogue. The Philippines has a longstanding commitment to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, as a means of fostering peace, understanding and cooperation among different cultures and religions. To this end, the Philippines continually co-sponsors relevant Resolutions in the United Nations, including a recent Resolution on Promotion of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace adopted last January, and a further Resolution on an International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations adopted last April.
The Archbishop and I also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including developments in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, Ukraine and Gaza.
We noted our shared perspective that, amidst the various international challenges and conflicts, the international community must be united in preserving a world where differences are resolved peacefully, on the basis of international law.
I and the Philippine government look forward to continued cooperation with the Holy See, both in advancing bilateral collaborations, as well as in advocating together for issues of common concern on the international stage. May our joint work and advocacies continue in contributing to a world of peace and human solidarity. Thank you. END.