Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 10) – President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants the Philippines and the European Union to keep working together and strengthening ties, despite recently accusing the region of holding COVID-19 vaccines “hostage.”
Duterte accepted the credentials of Luc Véron, Ambassador-designate of the EU to the Philippines, in a ceremony on Wednesday.
“We should continue to redefine, refine and reinforce our ties in face of new challenges and opportunities,” Duterte told Véron. “The Philippines is ready to work constructively with the EU for the greater good of our peoples.”
Duterte mentioned in particular improvements in trade and investment through a free trade agreement, as well as in fighting climate change, enhancing cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
He also thanked the EU for its “support to our justice sector and peace building and development efforts in Mindanao, particularly the Bangsamoro.”
Less than two weeks ago, however, Duterte was singing a different tune, accusing the Eurepean bloc of holding up supplies of British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca’s vaccines to other countries. He complained that Southeast Asian regions were not as influential in securing coronavirus doses.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. backed Duterte’s claim but assured that the country will not be affected by the “politics” in the United Kingdom given that the government’s AstraZeneca supply will be manufactured in Thailand and at the Serum Institute of India.
