The government has no reason to sever the country’s relations with European Union (EU), Malacañang said Thursday despite President Duterte's past criticisms of the bloc.

According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the country has gained benefits from its relations with the European Union even as it adheres to its independent foreign policy.

"Kaibigan tayo ng lahat at hindi tayo kaaway ng kahit sino. Ang Presidente ay naninindigan na ang kaniyang isusulong ang national na pang-interes ng mga Pilipino at hindi ng mga dayuhan. (We are friends to all, enemy to no one. The President will pursue the interest of Filipinos, not the foreigners)," he said during a televised press briefing Thursday, Feb. 11.

"Nakita po ng Presidente na mayroon pong benepisyo  sa sambayanang Filipino ang patuloy na pakikipagkaibigan sa EU at wala naman po talagang dahilan para maputol itong mabuting relasyon na ito (The President has seen the continued friendship with EU has benefited the Filipino nation and there is no reason to cut such good relations)," he said.

On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the President declared the Philippines was ready to "work constructively" with the EU for the greater good of the people. Duterte agreed to reinforce ties between the Philippines and EU but cited the importance of mutual respect and benefit. The latest remarks of the President were made during the presentation of credentials of new ambassador of the EU delegation Manila Luc Véron in Malacañang.

"The Philippines and the EU share a deep respect for democracy and the rule of law. This should serve as a solid foundation for robust cooperation on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and benefit," Duterte said.

"Ours is a longstanding relationship dating back to 1964. We should continue to redefine, refine, and reinforce our ties in the face of new challenges and opportunities," he added.

Duterte also pushed for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and EU to intensify trade and investment. He likewise called for closer cooperation on addressing climate change, providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and promotion of rights of migrant workers.

Ambassador Véron, for his part, said EU has a strategic interest in a stable, prosperous and secured Philippines. He said the group was working with the country to expand trade and investment, to promote maritime security and to maintain open and safe shipping routes.

He said the EU is also prepared to support the Philippines in case of natural emergencies and will work on disaster preparedness. 

"For all these reasons, the EU is willing to have a productive political relationship with the Philippine government, notably to support the Philippines in its effort to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and its effort to restart its economy," Véron said.

Early this month, the President accused the EU of holding "hostage" the coronavirus vaccines developed by AstraZeneca after imposing measures to block exports out of the bloc.

Duterte said the coronavirus supply has become a fight among the highest bidders or those who can pay first.  He said the country was not rich but has set aside funds to procure coronavirus vacancies for Filipinos. AstraZeneca is among the vaccine manufacturers the Philippines has negotiated supply deals. 

Early in his term, Duterte launched profanity-laced tirades against the European bloc for supposedly meddling in the country's affairs after some of its lawmakers criticized his war on drugs. He even once threatened to expel the EU envoys amid his outrage over the bloc's alleged interference.