Duterte ready to work constructively with EU

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday expressed readiness to work with the European Union (EU) for the “greater good” of the people as he accepted the credentials of newly-installed EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron.

In a speech in Malacañan Palace, Duterte emphasized the need to continue to reinforce Philippine-EU ties in face of new challenges and opportunities.

“The Philippines and the EU share a deep respect for democracy and the rule of law. This will serve as a solid foundation for robust cooperation on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and benefit. Ours is a long-standing relationship dating back to 1964,” he said.

He said he was encouraged by the launch of the sub-committee on good governance, rule of law and human rights under Manila and EU’s Partnership and Cooperation Agreement last Feb. 5, which serve as a formal platform where views and concerns on issues related to human rights will be raised and discussed.

The next Philippines-EU Sub-Committee meeting is expected to be held in the country in 2022.

“This signifies our shared resolve to implement this landmark agreement notwithstanding the pandemic,” he said.

Duterte emphasized the need to prioritize efforts to intensify trade and investment through a free trade agreement.

He expressed his desire to partner with the EU to protect and promote all rights of all especially the human rights of migrant workers.

He said the Philippines is willing to further enhance cooperation on climate change and the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“Those most responsible for climate change must be held to account even as we work together to build our communities, resilience, and preparedness,” he said.

Duterte also thanked the EU for its support to the country’s justice sector, peace-building and development efforts in Mindanao, particularly the Bangsamoro.

“Excellency, the Philippines is ready to work constructively with the EU for the greater good of our peoples,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Véron expressed eagerness to pursue the effective implementation of its Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines in all areas.

“By developing closer political relations, we together will strengthen multilateralism and cooperation by binational and global issues. And we will be true to our shared pledge to a rules-based international order,” Véron said.

He said the EU is working with the Philippines to expand trade and investment, to promote maritime security, and to maintain open and safe shipping routes.

He cited how the EU and the Philippines have developed a strong economic and trade partnership.

“Since 2014, the EU has provided the Philippines with preferential trade access to the EU market based on sustainable development, principles, good governance and human rights. The EU with its business community is also the first foreign investor to the Philippines,” he said.

The Ambassador also cited how the EU has recently established a Strategic Partnership with Asean and is looking forward to engaging closely with the Philippines during its role as Asean coordinator for dialogue with EU starting in August.

On global warming, he said the EU is at the forefront of international efforts to fight climate change and share strategic interest with the Philippines on environment.

“The EU has decided to cut further its emissions by 55 percent by 2030.The EU stands prepared for all times to support the Philippines in case of natural emergencies like most lately following Typhoon Goni and Vamco. The EU is ready to work as well with the Philippines — with the Philippine government on disaster preparedness,” he said.

He expressed readiness to have a productive political relationship with the Philippine government, notably to support the Philippines in its effort to overcome the Covid-19 crisis and its effort to restart its economy.

“The EU and its member-states will continue their efforts to contribute to the international response to the pandemic including by guaranteeing affordable and fair access to vaccines for all,” he said.

He promised that the EU would continue its participation in supporting peace and development in Bangsamoro through a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Véron also assured that the EU will be a “strong and reliable partner” and vowed to build on robust foundations to move their ties forward. 

Brazil, Korea, France, Colombia

Duterte also accepted the credentials of four other envoys—Brazilian Ambassador to the Philippines Antonio Jose Maria De Souza E Silva, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim In-Chul, French Ambassador to the Philippines Michéle Boccoz, and Colombian Ambassador to the Philippines Marcela Ordoñez.

Describing Brazil as an “old friend and partner” of the Philippines, Duterte said the two countries should work together to intensify trade and investment exchanges, especially in agriculture, biofuels, business process outsourcing, and logistics, as well as to ensure universal access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ambassador de Souza e Silva, in turn, said Brazil looks forward to further enhancing ties with the Philippines on agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, as well as trade and investments.

He said he looks forward to deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Brazil, citing their special roles in inter-regional cooperation through ASEAN and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

He also lauded the Philippine government for its effort and diligence in fighting the pandemic.

Duterte hailed South Korea as a valued friend and partner of the country while accepting the credentials of Ambassador Kim.

The President thanked the Korean government for its exceptional commitment to the Build, Build, Build program and support for the country’s defense modernization, as well as efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kim, meanwhile, thanked the Philippines for its historic contributions to the country, from Filipino soldiers’ bravery in the Korean War to advocating for the Republic of Korea during the advent of its democracy.

He assured the President of the Korean government’s continuing support for Philippine infrastructure initiatives, including the ongoing Panguil Bay Bridge construction project in Mindanao.

Duterte welcomed French Ambassador Boccoz and assured her of the Philippines’ keen interest to further strengthen cooperation with France.

He welcomed France’s active participation in the country’s “Build, Build, Build” and defense modernization programs and encouraged closer cooperation on defense, trade and investments, public health, tourism, and collaboration in these unprecedented times.

Boccoz noted that France will continue to step up its defense and strategic cooperation with the Philippines, within its broader commitment to contribute to stability, free trade, the peaceful settlement of disputes, development, the fight against climate change and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Duterte accepted the credentials of Colombian Ambassador Fernandez and acknowledged the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

He encouraged deeper bilateral and regional engagement between the two nations, particularly with the ambassador’s designation as Colombia’s Resident Ambassador to the Philippines and Colombia’s recent accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

He also said the Philippines is looking forward to stronger ties with Colombia in terms of trade and investment, defense and addressing nontraditional security issues, including terrorism and other transnational crimes, as well as furthering the peace process given Colombia’s experience.

Ambassador Ordoñez conveyed that she hopes to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, by sharing Colombia’s best practices on the reintegration of former combatants, engaging the youth through sports and cultural and technological activities, and breakthroughs in education.

She also stressed the importance of opening a Philippine Embassy in their country.