Philippines’ seeks Mongolia support for UN Security Council candidature

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo sought Mongolia’s support for the Philippines’ candidature to the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.

Manalo is on an official visit to Ulaanbaatar from Aug. 4 to 6, at the invitation of Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg.

“If we become a member, Mongolia can count on the Philippines to participate in the Council in an open, inclusive and constructive manner,” Manalo said at a press conference with Battsetseg.

“The Philippines’ independent foreign policy resonates with Mongolia’s Third Neighbor Policy,” he added.

Manalo and Battsetseg will convene the fourth Philippines-Mongolia Policy Consultations to take stock of bilateral relations and explore avenues of cooperation, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The Philippine government has provided Mongolia with $50,000 for disaster risk reduction, the DFA said.

Manalo congratulated Mongolia on attaining upper middle-income economy status this year.

A sports cooperation agreement and coordination on bilateral and international issues of common concern were signed by Manalo and Battsetseg.

The foreign ministers discussed nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, women’s role in peace and security, disaster risk reduction, common interests of middle-income countries and mutual support for multilateral candidatures.