The Philippines and the European Union elevated their bilateral relations to an Enhanced Partnership on Friday after Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas signed a joint statement during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The upgraded partnership expands cooperation in foreign policy, security, trade, climate action and digital connectivity.

As part of the partnership, the European Union is providing €15 million under the European Peace Facility to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines' surveillance and monitoring capabilities amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

"This support will strengthen your country’s maritime capabilities through surveillance and monitoring equipment," said Kallas.

Kallas said the assistance marks the first-ever European Peace Facility support implemented in the Indo-Pacific region.

She also reaffirmed the European Union's support for the 2016 Arbitral Award, saying:

"disputes must be settled through dialogue and not coercion"

She likewise expressed concern over the Ayungin Shoal incident that injured a Philippine Navy crew member.

“The European Union continues to support freedom of navigation and overflight, and we remain firmly committed to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” she added.

Lazaro, meanwhile, expressed the Philippines' appreciation for the European Union's continued support for the country's position on the West Philippine Sea dispute with China.