The Joint Committee established by the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of the Philippines (see EUROPE 11568/10) met for the first time in Brussels on Tuesday 28 January.
In a statement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said that, at this first-ever meeting, the EU and the Philippines reviewed existing cooperation and explored opportunities for further strengthening their relationship in areas such as security, the economy, human rights, sustainable development goals, climate change, information and communication technologies, and connectivity.
The Joint Committee also adopted its Rules of Procedure and established three specialised subcommittees: - Development Cooperation; - Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation; - Good Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights.
The EEAS stated that these sub-committees will allow both parties to have dedicated fora to deepen their relationship on these issues.
Both sides also acknowledged the importance of an EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (see EUROPE 11766/14) and exchanged views on the prospects of continuing negotiations.
The next meeting of the Joint Committee will be held in the Philippines. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)