Aside from customs cooperation, the two sides identified concrete steps to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including:
Consular Affairs: Streamlining visa processes and consular services.
Maritime Cooperation: Enhancing maritime security and safety.
Seafarer Certification: Facilitating the recognition of seafarer certifications.
Education: Expanding educational exchanges and scholarships.
Environmental Protection: Collaborating on environmental conservation initiatives.
Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro of the Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvtisiashvili of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia back to Manila. This marked the second time Undersecretary Lazaro and Deputy Minister Khvtisiashvili co-chaired the consultations, following their successful meeting in 2022.
Both officials recognized the importance of these consultations as a valuable platform for open dialogue and charting the course of bilateral relations.
Tourism, science and technology, and cultural exchanges were also identified as promising areas for future collaboration.
The consultations also featured candid discussions on regional and international issues, including the South China Sea and the evolving political landscape in Europe. Undersecretary Lazaro emphasized the importance of dialogue in fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Philippines and Georgia agreed to hold the next political consultations in Tbilisi in 2027, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
