British Foreign Minister David Lammy MP is embarking on an official visit to the Philippines today (March 8), a trip seen to further solidify the two states’ enhanced partnership.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the British official will be holding a meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and meet other government officials, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“Secretary Lammy’s visit is envisioned to solidify the enhanced partnership between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, which was launched in 2021 through the signing of the Joint Framework of the Enhanced Partnership and thereby to further deepen Philippine-UK bilateral relations,” she said in a statement.
The visit, she said, will also provide an opportunity for the two states to review cooperation on a number of areas such as trade and investments, defense, maritime, climate change and environment, and science and technology.
Manalo and Lammy will also exchange views and insights on regional and international issues of mutual concern “in relation to the Philippine-UK commitment to promote peace, stability, and a rules-based international order.”
During the one-day official visit, Lammy will also make a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
He will also meet with officials from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “UK top diplomat to visit the Philippines.”