PASAY CITY, 29 June 2021—The Philippines and the Netherlands reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the political, economic, and socio-cultural areas during the 2nd Philippines-Netherlands Bilateral Consultations held via videoconference on 29 June 2021.

The Philippine delegation was led by DFA European Affairs Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda while the Dutch side was headed by Ms. Karin Mössenlechner, Director for Asia and Oceania at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This year marks an important milestone in Philippines-Netherlands relations as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

The Philippines and the Netherlands vowed to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of political, economic, defense and security, and people-to-people linkages. Both sides also apprised each other of developments in their respective countries and exchanged views on regional and global issues, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant Secretary Ledda welcomed the Dutch proposal to establish an Honorary Consulate in Davao City as this will improve consular assistance to Dutch nationals and also promote bilateral trade and investment.

Assistant Secretary Ledda was joined by Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and Consul General Lolita Capco of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, Director Shirley Banquicio, Assistant Director Mark Anthony Dizon, and Principal Assistant Judienne Capiz of the DFA Office of European Affairs, and Commercial Counselor and Director Benedict Uy of PTIC-Brussels.

The Joint Statement on the Bilateral Consultations may be downloaded in the link below:

https://drive.google.com/.../1tr.../view...