The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirmed their commitment to expanding maritime cooperation during a bilateral meeting in Makati City recently.

The Philippine delegation, led by Marina administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, met with Dutch officials headed by Ambassador Marielle Geraedts and Paul van Gurp, director of Maritime Affairs at the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, to discuss developments affecting the global maritime sector.

Among the issues discussed were the security situation in the Persian Gulf, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, the ongoing comprehensive review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and other areas of bilateral maritime cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged updates on challenges confronting the international shipping industry and underscored the importance of continued collaboration in promoting seafarer welfare, advancing sustainable shipping and strengthening international maritime standards.

The Philippines and the Netherlands likewise reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination through bilateral engagements and multilateral platforms, including the IMO, in support of a safe, resilient and future-ready global maritime industry.