Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson was among the senior European and Ukrainian representatives taking part in the inaugural Kyiv–Manila Strategic Dialogues in the Philippines.
The forum was held at Ateneo de Manila University on 24 July and brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics and students to discuss security, trade and migration.
Participants included EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin. The discussions focused on how Russia’s war against Ukraine also affects countries beyond Europe and highlighted the shared interest of European and Indo-Pacific partners in defending international law.
Students at the university were invited to question the speakers, leading to discussions about the consequences of the war and the importance of international cooperation during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Sweden’s contribution also extended beyond security. Karolina Zurek, First Secretary for Trade and Development at the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, highlighted Swedish capacity-building initiatives aimed at helping agricultural producers and small and medium-sized exporters in Southeast Asia benefit from free-trade agreements.
Zurek has previously emphasised that transparent regulation, the rule of law and sustainability standards are important considerations for Swedish companies looking to invest in the Philippines.
The dialogue was organised by Ateneo de Manila University and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines in cooperation with the EU Delegation.
