Belgium plans to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines in areas such as dredging

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot visited the Philippines in late June 2026, holding a joint press conference with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in Pasay City, Manila. Prévot stated that Belgium aims to strengthen ties with the Philippines in areas such as maritime affairs, dredging, security, and energy, while exploring new avenues for cooperation.

Prévot noted that the Philippines is a "like-minded partner," with both countries committed to upholding international law, open markets, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. Strengthening ties with partners is particularly important amid the current complex international landscape. He emphasized that Belgium is willing to provide the Philippines with "cutting-edge expertise" in offshore renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power.

Regarding maritime cooperation, Prévot specifically highlighted significant potential for collaboration in maritime education and training, port development, logistics, dredging, coastal protection, maritime security, and seafarer welfare. The visit aims to promote the full implementation of the 2023-2027 Philippines-Belgium Joint Action Plan and identified new potential areas for cooperation, including maritime affairs, legal matters, police cooperation, creative industries, science and technology, and trade and investment.

This high-level interaction is a key step in deepening bilateral relations amid the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Belgium was the Philippines' 30th largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching $480.14 million, and over 18,000 Filipinos reside in Belgium. Prévot also expressed Belgium's support for the swift signing of a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union. The visit marks a new phase in cooperation between the two countries in dredging, maritime affairs, and the blue economy, while also creating favorable conditions for Belgian dredging companies to expand into the Southeast Asian market.