EU ready to strengthen maritime security cooperation with Philippines

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr welcoming President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to Malacanang presidential palace in Manila on July 31, 2023. - AFP

MANILA (Reuters): The European Union is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday (July 31), as she stressed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

She was speaking after a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila where the two leaders discussed a range of issues from security and trade to climate change.