The Philippines has just entered into a new diplomatic relation. In developing ties with the island nation of Niue, which is located 2,400 kilometers northeast of New Zealand, the country aims to explore more partnership in various areas, including sustainable fisheries.
But why is it just now?
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), proposals to establish diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Niue, a self-governing island since 1974 that is one of the three states in the Realm of New Zealand, started as early as 2013.
But both sides only commenced negotiations on a draft Joint Communiqué in January 2022 after the Office of the President, which was then headed by President Rodrigo Duterte, gave its imprimatur to the Department on December 27, 2021.
On September 27, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he finally signed the "historic" joint communiqué with Niue Prime Minister Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi.
"We are optimistic that stronger cooperation between our countries will lead to a better future for our people," Marcos Jr. said.
What does this mean for the Philippines?
Since the Philippines values its relations with Pacific Island countries, including Niue, because of shared ancestral linkages, such as culture, religion and language, the DFA said the formal establishment of the diplomatic relations was guided by the principle of friendship towards all countries, and by a forward-looking policy that broadens Philippine engagement with new partners.
"It is envisioned to foster general goodwill, by being one of the few countries with which Niue has official diplomatic ties," DFA said.
According to the department, the Philippines and Niue "can explore ways to increase cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, including agriculture and fisheries."
As the Philippines is one of the most proximate to Niue within the ASEAN region and in Asia, Niue may look to the Philippines as a possible source of finished goods and products, DFA added.
"We may also serve as a potential source of services, such as medical care and tourism. The Philippines also stands ready to share its experiences and knowledge through technical cooperation as a way to foster general goodwill with Pacific Island Countries," DFA said.
But even before these diplomatic ties, the Philippines has in fact been engaging with the island nation as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)—an intergovernmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation among countries and territories in the South Pacific.
As of December 2021, there are only 31 Filipinos in Niue, working as professionals, sales workers, community and personal service workers, machinery operators and drivers, as well as technicians and trade workers.
While at present, there are no recorded Niueans living in the Philippines.
"We look forward to growing this relationship and bringing together our people," Tagelagi said.