MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Greece discussed possible cooperation in maritime affairs and defense, as well as new ways to strengthen existing collaborations in trade and investments, people-to-people exchanges, culture, and labor and migration, during the inaugural political consultations held in Athens last 23 May 2025.
In a news release, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), represented by Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Deena Joy D. Amatong, led the Philippine delegation, while Political Director of Greece’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Andreas Fryganas, led the Greek delegation.
The Philippine Embassy in Athens, headed by Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec, also joined the political consultations.
According to the DFA, the inaugural political consultations follows the visit of DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo to Greece on 18-21 June 2024.
Both officials discussed various aspects of the Philippines and Greece’s bilateral relations; exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues such as climate change, the security situation in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, as well as reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and the rules-based international order.
Assistant Secretary Deena Joy Amatong, Ambassador Giovanni Palec, and Ms. Therese R. Cantada, First Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Athens (right side), engage in discussions with the Greek delegation led by Ambassador Andreas Fryganas (left side).
“Despite the geographical distance between the Philippines and Greece, we are brought together by our maritime traditions and are bound by shared values,” Assistant Secretary Amatong said.
The Philippines and Greece will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, the DFA stated.
