She will be the first head of the EC—which was established in 1953—to go on an official visit to the country in almost six decades of diplomatic ties between Manila and the political arm of the European Union.
Adding to the strain was EU’s call for the release of detained former Sen. Leila de Lima, which Duterte allies considered an interference in the country’s internal affairs. “The region’s growing economic, demographic and political weight makes it a key player in shaping the rules-based international order and in addressing global challenges,” the European Union said.Aside from Mr. Marcos, Von der Leyen will also have a meeting with the business community, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with the Makati Business Club.