04 April 2017 MANILA – As part of the 60th anniversary of their relations, the Philippines and Switzerland held Special Political Consultations at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati on March 31. Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes led the Philippine delegation and Assistant State Secretary for Asia and Pacific Johannes Matyassy led the Swiss delegation.

Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, and humanitarian values as they agreed to continue working together on issues of common interest. Among others, the parties discussed peace and development, economic and cultural cooperation, human rights and human security, and the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) composed the Philippine Delegation. END