Foreign Affairs Committee in the Philippines: A rules-based international order is in the interests of both of us
The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) highlighted at the discussions of security situation during the meetings held in the Philippines that a rules-based international order, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, are in the interests of both countries.
According to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, the meetings focused on geopolitical situation, and on how major conflicts are interconnected. “Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the war in Iran, and the situation in the South China Sea—they all have common denominators,” he said, adding that cooperation at a time when the world was undergoing major changes had also been discussed. “We acknowledged that we share many similar views on world affairs. A rules-based international order is in the interests of both of us.“
During the meetings, Estonia’s experiences in developing e-governance services and cybersecurity were discussed, and it was noted that all the preconditions are in place to implement the memorandum of cooperation on digital matters signed in February. Negotiations on the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Philippines, which are nearing completion, were also spoken about. “We hope that the agreement will soon be officially concluded and enter into force, as recent free trade agreements have benefited both parties,” Mihkelson said.
Cooperation in international organisations was also discussed at the meetings. The Philippines hold the Presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, and are a candidate for the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
In Manila, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee had meetings with Chairperson of the Philippine Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Erwin Tulfo, Senators Loren Legarda and Bam Aquino, Senior Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Philippine House of Representatives Dino Tanjuatco and Minister of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro. The delegation also had meetings with the Ambassador of the European Union, and representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the President, and business organisations.
From Manila, the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee will travel to Japan, where thay will have meetings with Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Konosuke Kokuba and members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives of Japan, members of the Japan-Estonia friendship group, and Ryuji Satomi, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the House of Councillors of Japan. The delegation will also have meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the University of Tokyo. They will also meet with representatives of several diplomatic missions and think tanks.
The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee consists of Chairman Marko Mihkelson and members of the Committee Ester Karuse, Eerik-Niiles Kross and Henn Põlluaas. Their visit to the Philippines and Japan takes place from 29 March to 3 April.
Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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