Metro Manila, Philippines – The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter arrived in Manila on Friday, May 22, as Dutch officials conveyed interest in expanding defense and maritime cooperation l.

Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts described the warship’s visit as part of the Netherlands’ growing Indo-Pacific engagement and its strengthening partnership with Manila.

“The visit of this frigate is very timely as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations,” Geraedts said.

She said the deployment could pave the way for broader ties.

“I hope we are looking into further cooperation. The ship is the first step of the process,” she said.

Asked about the possibility of a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines, Geraedts said: “We are considering all options for our Indo-Pacific strategy.”

“As Netherlands, stability and security in this region [are important], and the frigate visit is the first step,” she added.

The Dutch ambassador also highlighted the longstanding maritime and economic ties between Manila and Amsterdam.

“We have substantial economic relations. We have more than 20 Dutch companies based here, also in the maritime field,” Geraedts said.

“More than 40 percent of seafarers in the Dutch commercial fleet are Filipino. The Dutch fleet will not sail without Filipinos,” she added.

Commander Roger de Wit said the frigate’s deployment in the Indo-Pacific is focused on maritime security and freedom of navigation.

“The main reason is to promote freedom of navigation, which is a vital role for the Netherlands and Europe,” de Wit said.

“So stability in this area is really important for the Netherlands,” he added.

The HNLMS De Ruyter is an air defense frigate capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The vessel’s Manila visit includes interoperability activities with the Philippine Navy, engagements with Philippine Naval Academy cadets, and cultural exchanges marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.