The Philippines and the European Union have agreed to launch a security and defense dialogue aimed at addressing emerging challenges such as cyber threats and foreign interference, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo announced on Monday.
The statement was made during the visit of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to Manila, where she met with Manalo and paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Manalo said the planned dialogue would help both parties stay proactive and unified in confronting cross-border threats, particularly in cyberspace and the spread of disinformation.
Kallas described the initiative as a "dedicated platform" for enhancing defense collaboration, exchanging security expertise, and exploring joint projects. The dialogue will form part of the broader Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between the Philippines and the EU, which began in 2012 and came into force in 2018.
Kallas reaffirmed the EU's support for a rules-based international order, peaceful conflict resolution, and joint efforts to address tensions in the South China Sea and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
"We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through coercion", she said, when asked about the EU’s stance on China’s activities in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
China asserts broad territorial claims in the South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.
China has cautioned Manila, the capital of the Philippines, against relying on foreign support in the South China Sea dispute, following critical remarks from the EU.
The Philippines has inked a $700 million agreement with South Korea's KAI to acquire 12 advanced FA-50 fighter jets by 2030, enhancing its military capabilities amid regional tensions.
China has rejected accusations made by the defense chiefs of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, who last week raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the East and South China Seas.
Voting was underway in the Philippines on Monday for a midterm election marked by a fierce and emotional rivalry between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed Tuesday to enhance economic and defense cooperation, affirming their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas through force or coercion.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment