Joint Press Statement on the progress made in talks between The Philippines and The European Union on proposed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
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PR-036-09, 10 February 2009 – The Philippines and the European Union made significant progress on a proposed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) during their initial talks in Manila on 9-10 February 2009.
Both sides acknowledge that current global realities demand greater dialogue and cooperation. The current economic crisis and its impact on development, as well as other concerns affecting both RP and EU has given a renewed urgency for the Philippines and the EU to pursue joint action.
Both sides shared the view that the proposed PCA would provide a new framework which would deepen existing relations and open new avenues for collaboration. The PCA would re-affirm the close relations between the Philippines and the EU, including their shared commitment to development, democracy and human rights. In this regard, the PCA would enhance political cooperation and related matters, trade and investments cooperation, and economic and development cooperation through policy dialogue and technical assistance.
During the two-day meeting, a thematic review of the draft PCA was undertaken. To facilitate negotiations on a key issue of shared concern, both sides agreed to hold seminars on migration and taxation that would bring together RP-EU experts for comprehensive consultations. Both sides also agreed to support multi-stake holder consultations on the PCA.
The Philippines and the European Union expect to pursue a second round of negotiations in July 2009, after each side has updated their respective drafts. The first round of talks stems from the October 2008 decision of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and European Commission (EC) President Jose Manuel Barroso to start negotiations on the PCA. END.
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