Working visit to the Philippines by Minister Xavier Bettel

Created on

Last update

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, Xavier Bettel, paid a working visit to Manila, Philippines, from 17 to 19 February 2026.

album-photo

  1. (from left to right) Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines; Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action

    © MAE

  2. Wreath-laying ceremony

    © MAE

  3. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action

    © MAE

  4. Bilateral meeting

    © MAE

  5. ADB event on the Trust Fund for Inclusive Financial Technologies

    © MAE

  6. ADB event on the Trust Fund for Inclusive Financial Technologies

    © MAE

  7. (from left to right) Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action; Isabel Chatterton, Director-General, Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD), Asian Development Bank

    © MAE

  8. Wreath-laying ceremony

    © MAE

  9. Bilateral meeting

    © MAE

  10. Wreath-laying ceremony

    © MAE


This visit served to strengthen bilateral relations between Luxembourg and the Philippines, both politically and economically, as the two countries mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

In Manila, Minister Bettel held talks with his counterpart, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro. The two ministers praised the quality of relations between the two countries and signed a memorandum of understanding on regular political consultations.

The discussions reaffirmed both countries ‘commitment to the rule of international law and an international order based on rules, as well as to multilateralism, including a strong and inclusive United Nations system. Minister Bettel commended the Philippines’ commitment within ASEAN to regional peace and stability and expressed his support for the ongoing strengthening of ties between ASEAN and the European Union.

Discussions also covered several(various) regional and international issues, including the situation in South-East Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine.

Minister Bettel praised the contribution of the Filipino community in Luxembourg, which numbers nearly 1,000 residents.

Furthermore, Minister Bettel held talks with his counterpart for foreign trade, Secretary of Commerce and Industry Cristina Roque. Discussions centered on strengthening the economic partnership between Luxembourg and the Philippines, particularly in information and communication technologies, satellite technologies, financial services and the creative industries. Opportunities in labour mobility were also discussed, particularly in the health and construction sectors.

In an uncertain and fragmented international context, the diversification of economic partnerships remains a priority for Luxembourg. The two countries also agreed to conclude a double taxation agreement soon (in a timely manner), which will lay the foundations for promoting bilateral investment.

The visit also included meetings with representatives from the business and defence sectors, as well as with members of the Luxembourgish community in the Philippines.

Lastly, Minister Bettel attended the launch of the NextFin Asia fund, aimed at investing in fintech companies supported by ‘Catapult: South East Asia’, an acceleration programme for fintech firms in the region. This programme supports local entrepreneurs and start-ups in South-East Asia, using public investment strategically to mobilize private capital in parallel. Funded by Luxembourg, it is organized in collaboration with the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology and the Asian Development Bank, which is headquartered in Manila.

English translation of the original French press release