President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, emphasizing the deepening relations between the two nations.
During a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Malacañang, Marcos acknowledged the growing Filipino community in the UK, now estimated at around 200,000, working across various sectors such as IT, aviation, hospitality, and healthcare. He conveyed the community’s appreciation for the UK’s warm reception.
“The increasing number of Filipinos in the UK is a clear testament to our strong relations in multiple sectors,” Marcos told Lammy.
Lammy’s visit aimed to bolster the Philippines-UK Enhanced Partnership, covering key areas like trade, investments, maritime cooperation, and climate change. He and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo also signed the Philippines-UK Joint Framework, setting the course for deeper bilateral cooperation.
Manalo reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to shared priorities, including defense, security, human rights, and economic resilience.
“In an era of global uncertainty, we must strengthen ties with like-minded partners like the Philippines,” Lammy stated.
With the UK increasingly engaging Filipino professionals, especially in tech and telecommunications, both nations look forward to fostering even closer collaboration in the years ahead.