President Marcos welcomed the establishment of the Philippines-European Union Security and Defense Dialogue, which was initiated during the two-day visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP) Kaja Kallas.

The EU diplomat paid a courtesy call to the Chief Executive on Monday afternoon, June 2, at Malacañan Palace, wherein Marcos took the opportunity to thank EU for its continued support for the Philippines.

“The President welcomed the establishment of the Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue, underscoring the importance of addressing geopolitical challenges with those who share similar values and adherence to the rules-based international order,” a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

The dialogue, which is scheduled to commence in the last quarter of this year, was announced by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Kallas during a joint press conference on Monday.

“The dialogue addresses the current geopolitical challenges and will foster exchanges and cooperation in security and defense areas, including maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI),” Kallas said in a joint press statement.

Manalo, for his part, underscored the importance of strengthening the PH-EU security cooperation, saying that this is “a step in the right direction.”

“Through sustained dialogue and practical cooperation, the Philippines seeks to promote a resilient, rules-based international order that upholds peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” the statement read.

Aside from security and defense cooperation, the two diplomats also discussed maritime security and regional stability as they emphasized the benefit of continued cooperation under several initiatives, such as the Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific (CRIMARIO II), Copernicus, and Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA Plus).

They reaffirmed as well their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an international treaty that sets the legal framework for all of the world’s oceans and seas.

“They express their concerns about China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive measures against Philippine vessels and aircraft conducting lawful maritime operations in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea,” the statement read.

“They reiterate their commitment to upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, which is final and binding,” it added, referring to the arbitral victory secured by the Philippines’ that invalidates the basis of China’s claim in the region.

While ensuring peace and security is critical to the development of the region, the two officials further highlighted the importance of deepening trade and investment ties.

They both welcomed the ongoing negotiations for a Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and expressed hope for its early conclusion.

The two officials also agreed to cooperate on human rights, rule of law, good governance, climate change and green transition under the Global Gateway Strategy, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Finally, the Philippines and the EU reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in response to evolving regional and global challenges,” the statement said, adding Kallas’ appreciation for the Philippines’ “active and constructive role” in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as it becomes its chair in 2026.

She also lauded the Philippines for its “strong commitment” to multilateralism, the UN Charter, the rule of law, and its “consistent support” for relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, including the UNGA resolution on Ukraine.

In this regard, the Philippines and EU reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

They also called for “ceasefire and cessation of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects to pave the way towards a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the conflict.”

“They renew their call for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on international law, including the United Nations Charter and underline the importance of preventing further escalation of the war as well as the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction by any country,” the statement stressed.

In discussing the Israel-Palestine issue, the officials “express support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace” based on a two-state solution, the UN Charter, and relevant resolutions.

Kallas’ two-day trip to Manila on June 1 and 2 was her first visit to the Philippines since her appointment in December 2024.

According to the DFA, her visit signified an important step forward in strengthening diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the European Union.