MANILA, Philippines – Despite the harsh words thrown at them by President Duterte, the European Union (EU) remains willing to continue the economic bloc’s deep ties with the Philippines, the EU’s envoy to the country said.

“We are with you on the EU side and we work very closely with you,” EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said during EU-Philippines Business Summit yesterday.

“We listen very carefully to the political statements said by the new government, from President Duterte and his colleagues. And we adjust to these statements but we do that in a slow manner. We do not overreact to different issues being raised one day after another. But over time we do adjust. And I hope very much that we will continue the very close and productive relationship we have had for so many years,” he added.

For his part, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Guenter Taus said the European business community “has worked with the Philippine government as well as with the private sector for over 38 years now, and we shall continue to do so, no matter what.”

Jessen said the EU has a long term strategy in the Philippines, a part of which is the free trade agreement both sides are negotiating at present.

“The country is possibly at a crossroads, having long done away with its reputation of sick man of Asia and rightfully being its bright spot today.Implementation of sound policies could mean a potential take-off to upper middle income level,” he said.

Jessen, however, warned European companies look at a country’s overall picture when it comes to investments and not just its strong economic performance.

“Companies, they want to operate in a good business environment. They want respect for human and labor rights. They want good government. All these are important part of companies’ decisions to invest,” he said.

President Duterte has verbally attacked the EU numerous times for criticizing him for the rising death toll in his war on illegal drugs.