A geopolitical expert has urged the Philippines to engage with other like-minded countries in the European Union to enforce Manila's commitment to uphold rules-based international order.

Dindo Manhit, president of international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, made the suggestion following the Philippine visit of Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who expressed concern on China-Russia close cooperation that might lead to changing status quo not only in Europe but also in the Indo-Pacific.

"Through this exchange of strategies and experiences, we reinforce our shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, working together to secure a stable and prosperous future for our region," he said.

Manhit said the 51 year-relationship between the Philippines and Poland highlights the commitment to deepening mutual understanding and collaboration, so he called on the Philippine government to participate in more strategic engagements with like-minded states in the European Union.
 
“The bonds between the Philippines and Poland are a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite around shared values and common goals," he said.

"By continuing to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and support one another, we can face the challenges of our time with confidence and resilience," he added.

In his speech last week at a forum organized by Stratbase, Sikorski shared the commonalities between the Philippines and Poland, particularly in having powerful neighbors, who perceive the unified defense of independence and sovereignty as an "inconvenience."
 
“We share a philosophy that weakness provokes, and strength deters. And we need to build up our strength," he said.

Poland and the Philippines "are both aspirational countries. We are countries that are still catching up and still have a lot of room to grow," he added.