(L-R) Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Philippines; Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister;;
Credit: MAE
On Thursday 19 February 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade reported on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel’s working visit to Manila, Philippines, which took place from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February 2026.
According to the ministry, the visit helped strengthen bilateral relations between Luxembourg and the Philippines at both political and economic levels, as the two countries mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
In Manila, Minister Bettel met with his counterpart, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro. The two ministers welcomed the quality of relations between their countries and signed a memorandum of understanding providing for regular political consultations.
The ministry noted that the discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to respect for international law, a rules-based international order and multilateralism, including a strong and inclusive United Nations system. Minister Bettel also welcomed the Philippines’ engagement within ASEAN in support of regional peace and stability and expressed support for continued rapprochement between ASEAN and the European Union.
Talks further covered a number of regional and international issues, including the situation in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine.
Minister Bettel also highlighted the contribution of the Philippine community in Luxembourg, which numbers nearly 1,000 nationals.
During the visit, Minister Bettel met with the Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and Industry, Cristina Roque. Discussions focused 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, notably in the healthcare and construction sectors.
In an uncertain and fragmented international context, diversifying economic partnerships remains a priority for Luxembourg. Both sides also agreed to conclude a double taxation avoidance agreement in the near future, aimed at encouraging bilateral investment.
The visit also included meetings with representatives of the business and defence sectors, as well as members of the Luxembourg community in the Philippines.
Finally, Minister Bettel took part in the launch of the NextFin Asia fund, which aims to invest in fintech companies supported under the “Catapult: South East Asia” acceleration programme for regional fintechs. The programme supports local entrepreneurs and startups in Southeast Asia by strategically leveraging public investment to mobilise private capital. Funded by Luxembourg, it is organised in cooperation with the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology and the Asian Development Bank, headquartered in Manila.