The European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, Luc Véron, highlighted the numerous milestones achieved in the EU-Philippines cooperation over the past six decades. As the iconic globe at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City was illuminated to mark the 60th year of diplomatic ties, Ambassador Véron emphasized that the year 2024 would be a celebration of the shared values between the EU and the Philippines, including democracy, human rights, equality, the rule of law, and support for multilateralism and international law.
This celebration not only signifies the enduring friendship between the European Union and the Philippines but also showcases the ever-strengthening ties between the two regions. The lighting ceremony, led by Ambassador Véron, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, marked the beginning of a yearlong celebration for the six decades of bilateral relations.
From January 12 to 19, 2024, the iconic globe at SM Mall of Asia will be adorned with the logo representing the 60th year of EU-PH diplomatic ties. This logo serves as a symbol of the commitment to mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving. It embodies the spirit of cooperation, solidarity, and harmonious synergy between two diverse regions, while also representing the continuous progress of their relationship.
Undersecretary Lazaro, in her remarks during the event, described the more than six decades of Philippine-EU cooperation as productive and mutually beneficial. She highlighted the fruitful collaboration in various areas, including peace and security, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, sustainable development, and good governance. Moreover, she expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for the visit of Her Excellency, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to Manila the previous year. During her visit, President von der Leyen announced several new partnerships and projects aimed at accelerating a new era of cooperation.
The Philippines looks forward to continuing on this path with its EU partners, working shoulder-to-shoulder to achieve common goals of peace, stability, and prosperity. The shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law will continue to guide their collaborative efforts. In the coming year, the Philippines hopes to advance its green and digital economy partnerships with the EU, as well as explore the possibility of resuming Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
The celebration of 60 years of EU-Philippines cooperation is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two regions. It showcases the commitment to shared values and the continuous progress in their relationship. As the iconic globe at SM Mall of Asia shines brightly with the logo representing this milestone, it serves as a reminder of the mutual understanding, cooperative spirit, and harmonious synergy that exist between the European Union and the Philippines.
Source: The Manila Times
