The Philippines and Croatia agreed to expand and strengthen their relations across a range of sectors, including labor, defense, and trade, as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman held a bilateral meeting on Monday, Oct. 13.

“I think I can only describe Philippines-Croatia relations as an uptick trend in the sense that the presence alone of the foreign minister and the first time he's visiting a Southeast Asian country is already a manifestation of the relations that is steadily evolving,” the DFA chief said during a press conference after the meeting.

“As it stands right now, it's in a very good situation. But as it evolves further, then there will be definitely, as per our discussions, an expansion and strengthening of our relations,” she added.

Last week, senior Philippine officials went to Brussels to discuss about governance, human rights, and maritime cooperation with their European Union (EU) counterparts, showing the strength in the Philippines’ relations with the regional bloc.

“But with Croatia, this is a notice of manifestation. His presence is a notice of manifestation of an expanding relations and strengthening,” she stated.

The Philippines and Croatia are also ready to “open up a new page” in their cooperation, Radman said.

“In general, Croatia considers the Philippines to be a very important partner in Asia. And it's interested in intensifying cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the official, who is the first Croatian foreign minister to visit Manila, added during the press conference.

“And I have also to say that in recent years, cooperation between our two countries has grown considerably. And we will open up a new page of our cooperation starting right now. However, there is a role for doing more, for improving our cooperation,” he added.

Radman explained that institutional frameworks would pave the way for labor opportunities in Croatian ports, pointing out the massive opportunities there as there are “six Croatian strategic ports” on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Currently, there are over 15,000 Filipinos in Croatia, Lazaro said in her speech, whose contributions work “towards our shared growth and closer ties.”

“We recognize Croatia as a reliable partner in supporting the integration of Filipinos and in safeguarding their rights,” the DFA chief stressed, adding that discussions with Croatian colleagues during the 5th Philippines-Croatia Political Consultations last year “resulted in fruitful exchanges on economic cooperation, as well as potential collaboration in maritime affairs, defense, labor, science and technology, education, and tourism.”

Lazaro noted that when it comes to economic cooperation, “there is much room for growth” for both the Philippines and Croatia.

The DFA chief also said that there is “plenty of promise” in this front as the Philippines can offer opportunities for investments in the following sectors: manufacturing, information technology-business process outsourcing, food and beverage, and creative industries.

Radman likewise stressed Croatia’s “intention to continue with intensifying our cooperation at all levels,” which includes the defense industry, tourism, science, and education, in his speech.

“I also expressed Croatian support for the growing cooperation between the EU and the Philippines. I am glad that the negotiation between the EU and the Philippines on new free trade agreements are advancing,” the foreign minister said.

Lazaro also shared about requesting the foreign minister to support the fourth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and EU.

“And the foreign minister was kind enough to give his support, especially in his statement. Of course, the relations of the EU is on a more bigger scale, but I think the relations are also growing very strong,” she added during the press conference.

The visiting foreign minister also welcomed the Philippines’ decision to enhance security dialogue with the EU, saying that it reaffirms “the strong and growing partnership in security and defense areas.”

“We also exchanged views on the relevant regional and global issues of mutual interest with the Philippines, in particular the focus on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in our respective regions of Asia and Europe, as well as in the Middle East,” he added.

For Lazaro, defense cooperation is an important aspect of the Philippine-Croatia relations.

She noted that both countries are currently working towards modernizing their defense and how they “can learn from each other’s experiences.”

Lazaro thanked Radman for his country’s assurance that it will support the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.

The Philippines has been pushing its candidacy for a 2027–2028 seat, which would give it a two-year term in the council.

The election is scheduled for mid-2026, when five of the 10 nonpermanent seats will be contested.

Analysts said that the non-permanent seat will boost the Philippines’ role in regional security and its global standing amid regional tensions.

While it did not mention China, Radman sought for the de-escalation of maritime spats.

“We call for a de-escalation and remain committed to supporting our partners in seeking to exercise their legitimate rights in the region and beyond. And in the Philippines, like in Croatia, we stick to the rules, to the rules, all the rules as possible members of the United Nations,” he said.

Based on Croatia’s own experience, the foreign minister acknowledged that maritime territorial disputes are “never easy.”

“The situation is particularly complex in the South China Sea, where there are several claimed states. The willingness of all parties to resolve it, as well as the timing for finding a solution are crucial,” he added.

This remark came amid the recent water cannon attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese militia vessels on Philippine vessels near the contested Pag-asa Island.