The relations between the Philippines and United Kingdom have been revitalized with the help of the British ambassador to Manila, according to President Duterte.
The President expressed appreciation for UK Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce's contributions to enhancing Philippine-UK ties during the latter's farewell call in Malacañang Wednesday, August 4.
Pruce, who will end his four-year assignment in the Philippines this month, was given the Order of Sikatuna during the meeting with the President.
"President Duterte congratulated Ambassador Pruce for a successful tour of duty, crediting him for the revitalization of the United Kingdom’s economic and political presence in the Philippines through high-level exchanges and dialogues," the Palace said in a statement.
"President Duterte conferred on Ambassador Pruce the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, for his accomplishments," it said.
The President likewise lauded Pruce's role in enhancing the country's access to life-saving coronavirus vaccines from the UK.
The United Kingdom recently donated more than 400,000 AstraZeneca jabs to the Philippines. Additional AstraZeneca vaccines have also been procured by the national government, local government units, and the private sector.
Ambassador Pruce, in his remarks, thanked President Duterte for the support to deepen the Philippine-UK ties on areas such as political and defense cooperation, trade and investments, people-to-people exchanges, and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The two countries mark the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties this year.
The diplomat also cited the Philippines' support for the UK’s dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"Ambassador Pruce stressed the importance placed by the UK on its relations with the Philippines and further underscored that the Philippines-UK bilateral cooperation will continue to grow from strength to strength," the Palace said.