February 6, 2025 | 1:18pm
Philippines and UK Strengthen Bilateral Ties through New Agreements
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United Kingdom are moving towards deeper bilateral cooperation through anticipated trade, defense, and maritime agreements set to be finalized this year.
February Strategic Dialogue
The second strategic dialogue between the Philippines and the United Kingdom took place on Monday, February 3. During the meeting, officials from both countries discussed new avenues for collaboration in the trade, defense, and maritime sectors, as well as information and communications technology and health sectors.
Philippine Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations Maria Theresa Lazaro and UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary Catherine West co-chaired the dialogue. The discussion is part of an “enhanced partnership” initiated in November 2021.
Key Outcomes and Agreements
Lazaro and West identified upcoming milestones that will pave the way for the commemorative celebration of 80 years of bilateral relations in 2026. The Department of Foreign Affairs mentioned that several key agreements, expected to be completed this year, will further strengthen ties between the two nations.
Additionally, a Joint Framework Agreement is scheduled for signing in March, aligning with preparations for the 80th anniversary of their bilateral relations.
High-Level Participations and Additional Meetings
Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr. and UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beafils participated in the talks alongside their delegations. The exchanges covered regional and international issues.
Lazaro also met with Owen Jenkins, UK’s Director General for Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa, to discuss ASEAN-UK cooperation, particularly as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.
Separate meetings with George Freeman, UK Trade Envoy to the Philippines, and Nick Catsaras, UK Deputy National Security Adviser for International Affairs, focused on trade and investment opportunities and regional security matters, respectively.
UK’s Continued Support in the Region
The Philippines expressed gratitude for the UK’s longstanding support in promoting the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region, especially against maritime tensions in the South China Sea.
The UK, like other nations, has condemned China’s actions towards Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Specifically, there were concerns raised in September 2024 regarding China’s vessels repeatedly colliding with a lone Philippine Coast Guard vessel deployed near Escoda Shoal.
Enhanced Partnership Areas of Cooperation
The enhanced partnership between the Philippines and the UK encompasses five areas: political affairs, defense, maritime, economic and trade, and climate and environment. Each sector aims to foster mutual economic growth, secure maritime routes, and enhance regional stability.
The Road Ahead
As the partnership between the Philippines and the UK evolves, these new agreements signify a commitment to shared interests and collaborative problem-solving. The upcoming milestone agreements and joint framework will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to the broader stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
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