Belgium deputy PM visits PH to explore new areas of cooperation

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot is visiting the Philippines to explore new areas of cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.

Prévot is in the country from June 30 to July 2, during which he is scheduled to meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

The two officials are expected to review the progress of initiatives under the Joint Plan of Action and discuss proposed cooperation in trade and investment, the creative industries, science and technology, maritime affairs, labor mobility, information and communications technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

They will also exchange views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern, including the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship and developments in the Middle East and Europe.

Prévot's visit comes as the Philippines and Belgium mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

According to the DFA, Belgium was the Philippines' 30th-largest trading partner in 2025, with total bilateral trade reaching $480.14 million.

The DFA also said Belgium is home to more than 18,000 Filipinos and their family members. — VBL, GMA News