London discussions between Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and UK officials focus on enhancing maritime security and economic collaboration.
LONDON, United Kingdom – Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo visited London to engage in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening maritime defence and trade relations between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. During his visit, Secretary Manalo met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell to build upon the recent PH-UK Strategic Dialogue.
In their meeting, Secretary Manalo and NSA Powell reaffirmed their commitment to the PH-UK Enhanced Partnership, focusing on deepening cooperation in maritime security, defence, and economic development. They also exchanged views on regional issues, including the South China Sea, ASEAN developments, and the situation in Myanmar. NSA Powell expressed the UK’s support for the Philippines’ stance on maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Beyond governmental engagements, Secretary Manalo participated in a roundtable discussion at Asia House with British business leaders. He provided insights into the current state and future direction of PH-UK relations, emphasizing the importance of economic collaboration amidst regional geopolitical tensions. He noted that Asia House’s Annual Outlook 2025 recognized the Philippines as one of Asia’s star performers, despite challenges posed by regional disputes.
Secretary Manalo engages in a roundtable discussion with UK corporate executive at Asia House (left). He also leads an interactive dialogue with diplomats, subject-matter experts, students, and media at Chatham House (right). (Photo credit: DFA of Philippines)
Addressing the ongoing issues in the South China Sea, Secretary Manalo stated, “The tensions in the South China Sea remain due to the continuing illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions against legitimate operations by Philippine authorities in the maritime zones under our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.” He emphasized the Philippines’ dedication to resolving these matters through diplomacy and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Secretary Manalo also engaged with an audience at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), discussing the Philippines’ bilateral relations with the UK, US, and China. He reiterated the country’s commitment to defending its national interests and maritime entitlements while pursuing peaceful dispute resolution.
Prior to his London visit, Secretary Manalo met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Munich Security Conference, where they reaffirmed both countries’ dedication to an Enhanced Partnership. Secretary Lammy is scheduled to visit the Philippines in March 2025 to continue these discussions.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines
