Manila,January 10 (AseanAll)  — Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvtisiashvili of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia back to Manila for the 4th Philippines-Georgia Political Consultations on 09 January 2025.

Photo source: Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs

Alexander Khvtisiashvili had previously visited Manila to co-chair the second iteration of the same political consultations back in 2022, also with Undersecretary Lazaro. 

Both officials reaffirmed the importance of the consultations as an excellent platform for diplomatic engagements, charting the directions of bilateral relations, and frank and open exchange of views on regional and international geopolitical developments.

Photo source: Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs

During the meeting, the two sides identified concrete steps to promote practical cooperation through signing of agreements in consular, maritime, seafarer certification, education, environmental protection, and customs. Tourism, science and technology, and culture were also sectors that both countries discussed as high-potential sectors for bilateral partnerships. 

The consultations further saw candid exchanges of views on regional and international issues, particularly on the South China Sea and the evolving political landscapes in European countries. Lazaro emphasized, “dialogue is key to understanding our respective countries' perspectives.”

Photo source: Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs

The Philippines and Georgia agreed to hold the next political consultations in Tbilisi in 2027, to mark the 35th anniversary of the two countries’ establishment of diplomatic relations.