Manila,November 18 (AseanAll)  —Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro held a bilateral meeting on 18 November 2025 with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. 

The visit is historically significant and is a milestone in the two countries’ diplomatic relations, as this is the first-ever visit of a Palestinian Foreign Minister to the Philippines, after the formal establishment of the bilateral relations between the two countries on 4 September 1989. 

The discussions between Secretary Lazaro and Minister Shahin centered on how both countries can pursue a more robust and practical cooperation in areas of mutual interests such as higher education, consular cooperation, technical and vocational education and training, among others.

The two top diplomats also exchanged views on key regional and international issues such as the ASEAN Chairship of the Philippines in 2026, developments in the Middle East and the South China Sea(PH calls it the West Philippine Sea). Shahin also provided updates on the ongoing peace process in Palestine.

The meeting between the two officials saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations. The agreement established a structured bilateral mechanism of consultations between the Philippines and Palestine, that  will provide a platform for officials of both parties to review their bilateral relations, identify new areas of cooperation, and promote common interests.

The Foreign Minister also conducted a lecture at the Foreign Service Institute on 17 November 2025 entitled, “The Palestinian Predicament: Latest Developments in Gaza and the West Bank”.

During her visit in the Philippines, Shahin also paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.