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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines, Belgium seek to deepen ties as Belgian deputy PM visits Manila

Philippines, Belgium seek to deepen ties as Belgian deputy PM visits Manila

DFA says historic visit marks 80 years of diplomatic relations, with talks to focus on trade, technology, labor mobility, and regional issues

Published Jun 30, 2026 12:55 pm  |  Updated Jun 30, 2026 01:20 pm

At A Glance

  • Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is visiting the Philippines from June 30 to July 2, 2026.
  • The visit marks the first by a Belgian foreign minister in 33 years and coincides with the 80th anniversary of Philippine-Belgian diplomatic relations.
  • Discussions will focus on trade, investment, science and technology, labor mobility, ICT, maritime cooperation, and regional issues, including developments in the Middle East and Europe.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomes Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot in the Philippines for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and commemorating 80 years of Philippine-Belgian diplomatic relations. (DFA photo)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomes Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot in the Philippines for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and commemorating 80 years of Philippine-Belgian diplomatic relations. (DFA photo)
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot is visiting the Philippines to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 30, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Prévot's three-day visit, from June 30 to July 2, marks the first visit by a Belgian foreign minister to the Philippines in 33 years and coincides with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Philippine-Belgian diplomatic relations.
The DFA said the visit underscores both countries' commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors and further enhancing bilateral relations.
Talks to focus on economic and strategic cooperation
During a bilateral meeting on June 30, Philippine and Belgian officials are expected to review the "progress of initiatives under the Joint Plan of Action" and propose new areas of cooperation, the DFA said.
Priority sectors identified for expanded collaboration include trade and investment, creative industries, science and technology, maritime affairs, labor mobility, information and communications technology (ICT), and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions are expected to reinforce existing partnerships while identifying new opportunities for future collaboration between the two countries.
Regional, global issues on agenda
Aside from bilateral cooperation, both sides are also expected to exchange views on key regional and international developments.
"The Ministers will also exchange views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern, including the ASEAN Chairship, and developments in the Middle East and Europe," the DFA said.
The DFA noted that the agenda includes discussions on the Philippines' role in ASEAN, as well as developments in the Middle East and Europe, reflecting both countries' shared interest in promoting regional stability and international cooperation.
Strong economic and people-to-people ties
Belgium remains an important European partner of the Philippines.
According to the DFA, Belgium was the Philippines' 30th-largest trading partner in 2025, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 480.14 million.
The European country is also home to more than 18,000 Filipinos and their family members, highlighting the strong people-to-people ties that complement the two countries' economic and diplomatic relations. 

Related Tags

Belgium-Philippines relations Maxime Prévot Philippines visit Philippines-Belgium diplomatic relations DFA Belgium Philippines-Belgium trade
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