Manila: The Philippines is set to open its embassy in Kazakhstan next year, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro revealed during the 7th Katipunan Conference in Quezon City. This will mark the first Philippine Embassy to be established in Central Asia, an area seen as strategically important for the Philippines’ plans to enhance economic engagement with more countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines initiated formal diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan on March 19, 1992. Since then, Manila has been working on strengthening ties with Astana by exploring and expanding areas of cooperation, particularly focusing on economic connections. Currently, the Philippine Embassy in Moscow holds jurisdiction over Kazakhstan.
In addition to the new embassy in Central Asia, Lazaro announced the opening of a Philippine Embassy in Suva, Fiji, planned for this year. This move is part of the Philippines’ efforts to enhance its outreach to Small Island Developing States in the South Pacific. Furthermore, Lazaro mentioned plans to expand the nation’s diplomatic presence in Africa with a proposed embassy in Ghana.
Lazaro emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to forming new partnerships and broadening its diplomatic reach, stating, “These new Embassies will help us open opportunities for cooperation, specifically on energy and critical minerals.”