Closer PHL-Belgian ties seen to bloom on Feb. 23

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Belgian Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere are set to sign on Feb. 23 in Brussels, Belgium, a joint plan of action (JPA) meant to identify fields of interest where both countries can enhance relations and bilateral cooperation. Philippine Ambassador Enrique Manalo and Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for Asia Ambassador Philippe Beke initialled the text of the JPA at a ceremony in the ministry last Jan. 28 after months of negotiations, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. “I believe the plan of action provides an opportunity and basis for the Philippines and Belgium to work closely together in addressing practical challenges we face such as the need to enhance our trade and investment cooperation, the need to address concerns on immigration, consular matters, law enforcement, and sports and culture," Manalo said in a news release posted on the DFA website. “This plan of action will give our respective governments an excellent framework for building a strategic partnership in the years to come," he added. According to the DFA, the JPA is the first agreement of its kind to be negotiated with Belgium in its 65 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines and the first Belgium has had with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The JPA calls for the Philippines and Belgium to work together on common interests in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). It also takes into account the areas of competence of the respective national governments and the regional governments in Belgium. Manalo expressed confidence that the agreement will boost overall bilateral relations with Belgium. Belgium is the Philippines’ 18th largest trading partner and the third biggest export destination of the Philippines (valued at US$639.8 million) in the European Union, next only to The Netherlands and Germany. In terms of foreign direct investments, Belgium is a major European investor and one of the largest sources of development assistance especially humanitarian assistance in response to both natural and man-made disasters. The Philippines and Belgium are currently negotiating bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance and transfer of sentenced persons. An agreement is also being proposed for energy and environment which seeks to boost private sector involvement especially in investments in infrastructures. Both countries have also exchanged economic missions over many years which have strengthened trade cooperation and increased investments in various sectors. — MRT/JE, GMA News Online