Philippines seeks stronger ties with EU, India

MANILA, Philippines — Stronger diplomatic ties with the European Union and India are being sought by President Marcos, as he welcomed on Monday new ambassadors to the Philippines.

Marcos received the credentials of Ambassadors Mariomassimo Santoro of the EU, Saija Nurmine of Finland, Harsh Kumar Jain of India, Emma Hickey of Ireland and Davide Giglio of Italy in separate ceremonies at Malacañang.

“We are grateful to Italy for the show of support. We consider it not just a show of support for the Philippines, but also to the rule of law and to make it very clear on that we are like-minded states,” Marcos told Giglio, referring to Italian ships that visited the country this month.

Italy and the Philippines marked the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2022.

In 2023, the total trade between the Philippines and Italy reached $1.2 billion. Italy ranks as the fourth-largest trading partner of the Philippines in the EU, with more than 500 companies in the country with Italian equity.

Bilateral trade between the Philippines and India surpassed $3 billion in 2023. Philippine exports to India exceeded $1 billion, making India the country’s 13th biggest export market in 2023.

The Philippines received in April the first batch of BrahMos cruise missiles from India, making the country the third Southeast Asian nation to acquire the world’s fastest supersonic anti-ship missile system.

The Department of National Defense had approved the acquisition of a shore-based anti-ship missile system for the Philippine Navy through a government-to-government deal.

India and the Philippines formally established bilateral relations on Nov. 26, 1949.