By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, February 19, 2026; Philippine News Agency

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1269282

MANILA – The Philippines and Luxembourg are looking to expand cooperation on trade and investments, creative industries, and technology, as the two countries formally mark 80 years of relations next year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

Practical ways to deepen partnership in these areas, including on information communications technology, space technology, artificial intelligence, and labor mobility, were discussed during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and visiting Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel.

“We are going to have a concentration on creative industries, also on many other matters. Of course, we’re looking at the conclusion of the Philippine-European Free Trade Agreement (FTA),” Lazaro said in a joint presser in Pasay City.

On top of this, the Philippines and Luxembourg are finalizing a new agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

“But this is just on the surface. There will be more intensive discussions on trade and investment when he meets with the trade secretary tomorrow,” Lazaro said.

Bettel, for his part, expressed hope for the fast-tracking of the Philippine-EU FTA talks’ conclusion by the end of the year.

Lazaro and Bettel also signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations, which will allow for the regular review of relations and exchange of views on regional and global developments.

Backing PH UNSC bid

Meanwhile, Luxembourg expressed its support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the upcoming elections at the United Nations Security Council.

“We’ll do everything we can to support also the candidature of the Philippines… It will be important in the Security Council in this difficult time that we will have and that we have for the moment to have a country we can trust,” Bettel said.

“We are different, but together united in the diversity, in the multilateralism, and in respect of the rule of law.”

In their meeting, Lazaro and Bettel highlighted their commitment to multilateralism and respect for the rule of law, while covering the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

“(We’re) a small country. The rule of law is my best protection, it’s my safeguard,” Bettel said.

“We discussed about the situations (on) the West Philippine Sea, and I just can tell you that if the rule of law is not respected, we are on the same side. We have this since Second World War, I was able to grow up in peace because we respected rule of law.”

Elections for the UNSC 2027-2028 term will take place in New York this June.

Should it successfully secure a Security Council seat, the Philippines will actively contribute to international peace and security through diplomacy and commitment as a partner.

The Philippines was previously elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004-2005. (PNA)