Ambassador Victoria S. Bataclan, Philippine Ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, called on Ambassador Pedro Serrano, the new Director for South and Southeast Asia of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The EEAS is the European Union's de facto Foreign Ministry, which was officially launched on 01 December 2010 after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in late 2009.

During the courtesy call, Ambassador Bataclan discussed outstanding bilateral issues between the Philippines and the European Union, including the possible signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), and results of the Philippines-EU Senior Officials Meeting in Manila in December 2011.

The Ambassador also informally broached the idea of elevating ASEAN-EU relations to a strategic partnership, similar to what the EU currently has with the United States, China and India.

Ambassador Bataclan also assured the European Union that the Philippines remains committed to a rules-based and cooperative approach in settling the West Philippine Sea disputes.  END