PH, EU to establish security and defense dialogue

The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to establish a security and defense dialogue to address transnational threats such as cyber attacks and foreign interference.

The agreement was announced during the visit of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to Manila, where she met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Secretary Manalo expressed hope that the dialogue would foster a proactive and united approach to emerging security challenges.

Kallas described the dialogue as a dedicated platform for deepening defense cooperation, sharing expertise, and exploring joint initiatives between the EU and the Philippines.

This dialogue will be integrated into the existing Philippines-EU partnership and cooperation agreement, which has been in place since 2012.

The EU reiterated its commitment to a rules-based international order and to addressing shared concerns, including those in the South China Sea and related to the war in Ukraine.