The Philippines has conveyed its eagerness to work with the European Union (EU) on rules-based security architecture in a bid to ensure a "just peace" in the region.
This was stated by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda during the Prague High Level Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific on June 13 to 14 in Prague.
Ledda said that "the Philippines is eager to work with the EU on a rules-based security architecture to ensure a just peace in the region."
He emphasized that the Philippines, along with ASEAN and its partners, can work on strengthening trade through free trade agreements, support for small businesses, and disaster risk reduction and management.
Ledda also echoed the statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Paris Ministerial Forum that “the future will be determined by the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.”
Home to 60 percent of the world’s population, the Indo-Pacific region contributes about 67 percent to global economic growth.
He also welcomed the European Union’s shared interest in advancing priorities under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific on maritime cooperation, connectivity, economic cooperation, and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.
Trade, which was not specifically addressed at the Ministerial Forum in Paris, was the focus of the second day of the Prague High Level Dialogue.
Speakers, led by Czech Minister of Trade and Industry Jozef Sikela, cited the importance of concluding free trade agreements with key economic partners in the Indo-Pacific region, and of implementing existing trade and investment agreements.
The Prague High Level Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific was a follow-through of the Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific held in Paris in February 2022.
It was held as part of the upcoming six-month Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU that will commence on July 1.