Prime Minister meets with President of the Philippines: our interconnected security is a catalyst for expansion of bilateral ties
As part of her working visit to Singapore, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė met with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos to discuss European and Indo-Pacific security, bilateral relations, prospects for bilateral economic cooperation, and climate change.
'Our countries share a common understanding of security challenges and a mutual interest in upholding a rules-based international order. Wherever these rules may be threatened, this should not be tolerated as the norm, otherwise we will see more instances where goals are pursued through force and coercion. Such a 'might is right' approach poses enormous threats to security, free trade, and the economy,’ said the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of the Philippines' support for Ukraine.
Russia sees the neighbouring countries as its 'sphere of influence', denying the independence and will of sovereign nations, and it is the rules, as the basis of the international order, that is the surest way for countries to protect themselves against such aggression from authoritarian regimes.
Moreover, it is only through rules-based cooperation that respects the interests of small states that the world can tackle global challenges such as climate change, the Lithuanian Head of Government added.
The two countries also discussed the potential for enhanced economic cooperation and bilateral ties in the areas of digital infrastructure, agriculture, and food, as well as cybersecurity. Lithuania seeks to diversify its export markets, while focusing on partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, including with the Philippines, the Prime Minister said.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of sharing experience in countering hybrid threats and combating disinformation.