PH to receive visiting EU parliamentarians
THE Philippines has accepted the request of the European Parliament (EP) Subcommittee on Human Rights’ (DROI) to visit the country to promote cooperation between Manila and the European Union (EU).
They are set to be in the Philippines from February 22 to 24, 2023.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the visit as it signifies the expanding dialogue and cooperation between the Philippines and the EU.
Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Assistant Secretary Teresita Daza said the Philippines’ relationships with the EU and its members have steadily expanded across political, economic, and security areas.
These relationships are founded on mutual interest and shared values of democracy and freedom, the rule of law, peace and stability, and human rights, the DFA said.
The visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to Brussels in December for the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit highlighted opportunities for the broad expansion of Philippines-EU trade and investment, especially as the Philippines is projected to lead economic recovery in the region with an estimated annual growth forecast of 7% this year and the Philippine “sweet spot” demographic anchors sustained future growth.
The visit of the EP DROI is taking place in the context of the open and regular engagement between the Philippines and the EU on human rights and the shared aim to further constructive dialogue and cooperation on human rights, including in the framework of the EU GO-JUST Program which supports and complements national reforms in the justice sector.
According to the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in the Philippines, the EP DROI Subcommittee visits several countries in a year using their own budget as part of the Subcommittee’s core work.
Six members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will head the delegation visiting Manila.
During their visit, the European delegation will meet counterparts in the Senate and the House of Representatives to exchange views on best practices and legislation.
It will also pay courtesy calls on Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla Jr., and Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and participate in a dialogue with executive agencies.
