EU, Philippines agree to strengthen bilateral relations

BRUSSELS, Sept 15 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso Monday met here the President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III and discussed bilateral ties, the Mindanao Peace negotiations, and EU and Asia relations in general.
Aquino is visiting Brussels to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Embassy in Belgium.
Barroso told reporters after the meeting that he congratulated Aquino for the submission of the draft basic law to the Philippines Congress on the 10th of this month in overall efforts of bringing lasting peace to people in Mindanao.
"The EU is also supporting peace and development in Mindanao in complement to the government's efforts through various development projects worth EUR 106 million," he said.
On his part, Aquino said the Philippines remains committed to advancing on peaceful rules based on the resolution of the disputes in the South China Sea.
"Like the EU, we believe that the only viable and effective solution is one that is based on international law and in particular to UN Convention Law of the Sea," he told reporters.
On the economic front, he said both sides reiterated commitment to deepen partnership. "We know fully well that the enhanced trade and investment partnership will open more doors of opportunity for our respective," he said.
"These past 50 years the Philippines and the EU have worked together to strengthen cooperation and consolidate our efforts towards the realisation of shared values and aspirations. I believe we will continue to do so as we address the complex challenges of the 21st century. I am confident that the Philippines' relations with the EU will continue to be strong and vibrant," Aquino added. (end) nk.hb