"Dialogue must go in both directions, pair to pair. This is what makes our relationship strong", EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro cited the importance of open dialogue for the EU and the Philippines to strengthen relations with each other during his meeting with Editor of Philippine Star Amy Pamintuan and her team. He also stressed how independent media is a pillar of democracy saying that the EU talks with various institutions in the Philippines from the government, the media, business, academe and NGOs, offering its support for media freedom and pluralism.