Deputy PM Bettel, DFA chief Lazaro seek broader ties between Luxembourg, PH

Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel will be in the country for a two-day visit aimed at increasing bilateral cooperation with Philippines, particularly on trade and investments.

Bettel, who concurrently serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, will sign with Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultations, which aims to increase the frequency of political dialogues between the Philippines and Luxembourg.

Bettel will be in Manila from February 18 to 19.

The two top diplomats will also discuss regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern, including the Philippines' year-long chairmanship of the 11-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) this 2026 and the Philippines' candidature in the United Nations Security Council.

The Philippines is seeking a non-permanent seat in the world body's powerful Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028. Elections will be held in June.

"The Philippines takes this opportunity to further enhance cooperation with Luxembourg in various areas such as trade and investments, financial cooperation, information and communications technology, space science, and labor mobility," according to a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Bettel’s visit comes as the Philippines and Luxembourg mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties this year. —AOL, GMA Integrated News