Brussels: The European Union (EU) and the Philippines are set to hold their inaugural security and defense talks in Brussels this month, as confirmed by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro. This significant meeting is scheduled for November 25 and aims to address key issues such as maritime cooperation, hybrid threats, and cybersecurity.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ambassador Santoro highlighted the importance of this dialogue, noting that it marks the first bilateral meeting of its kind since its launch in June. Discussions will also focus on tackling challenges related to foreign information manipulation and interference. Santoro emphasized the potential outcomes of the meeting, stating, “Based on what comes from that meeting, we will see what will happen next,” during an interview at the Stratbase ADR Institute Forum in Makati City.

The initiative for the dialogue was originally announced during the visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to Manila. Kallas emphasized that the dialogue would strengthen EU-Philippine cooperation, especially given the increasing complexity of security threats faced by both parties.

In addition to the security and defense dialogue, the EU and Philippines will meet again in Brussels on November 27 for the Joint Committee Meeting. This subsequent meeting will review cooperation across various areas, including good governance, human rights, maritime issues, justice, and development assistance.