DFA chief, Vatican diplomat agree on peaceful conflict resolution

Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (R) shakes hands with the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Gallagher prior to their bilateral meeting at a hotel in Manila on July 2, 2024. Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher agreed on Tuesday that international conflicts like the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

The two met during a bilateral meeting in Manila, where they discussed strengthening cooperation on various issues “where the Philippines and the Holy See make common cause.”

According to Manalo, among the topics that they discussed were regional and international issues, including developments in the West Philippine Sea, Ukraine and Gaza.

READ: DFA hopes for bilateral talks with China on West Philippine Sea aggression

Manalo said both he and Gallaghar shared the same perspective that all conflicts should be “resolved peacefully, on the basis of the rule of international law.”

“We noted our shared perspective that, amidst the various international challenges and conflicts, the international community must be united in preserving a world where differences are resolved peacefully, on the basis of the rule of international law,” said Manalo.

The two also discussed about the proposed agreement on higher education between the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education and the Holy See’s Dicastery for Culture and Education—which would allow for mutual recognition of degrees which will benefit Filipino priests and nuns pursuing further studies in different ecclesiastical and Catholic educational institutions of the Holy See.

READ: Holy See envoy says dialogue important to prevent escalation

“We are committed to working towards the conclusion of the MOU (memorandum of understanding),” said Manalo.

Manalo and Gallagher also talked about their advocacy on migration governance — stressing the importance of safe migration pathways and the humane treatment of all migrants — and further cooperation on interfaith dialogue.

Furthermore, the two shared similar positions on climate change and climate resilience.

“The Philippines share His Holiness’ call for the urgent need to work together to address the climate crisis. We look forward to close collaborations in this area with the Holy See,” said Manalo.

Manalo noted that his continued exchanges with Gallagher started in Munich in 2023, and serves as a testament to the “joint commitment of the Philippines and the Holy See to advance and strengthen our relations.”