Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro called for stronger maritime cooperation at the Fourth EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels amid Beijing’s persistent claims and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.
In a post on X on Saturday, November 22, Lazaro shared her discussions with the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Brunei, Slovenia, France, Ireland, and Malta, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
“Meaningful exchanges with ministers and colleagues from Lithuania, Brunei, Slovenia, France, Ireland, and Malta at the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels; I shared the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship priorities and initiatives to build our respective bilateral ties,” the post read.
Lazaro also met with Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, highlighting their mutual focus on maritime domain awareness and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. She likewise thanked Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna for co-chairing the Philippine-led Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Maritime Domain at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
For his part, Tsahkna emphasized their discussions on cybersecurity, digital cooperation, and maritime security.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also discussed with Lazaro the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identified opportunities for deeper cooperation.
The Fourth Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum took place in Brussels on November 20 to 21, chaired by the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas. The forum focused on building a resilient, prosperous, and secure future anchored on a rules-based international order, free trade, and the principles of the UN Charter.
