'A fine trajectory': PH, UK reaffirm enhanced partnership
The Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) have reaffirmed their enhanced partnership, with officials noting that the relationship between the two countries has been on a "fine trajectory".

This, after Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. met with Amanda Milling, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) Minister of State for Asia and Pacific, on the sidelines of the G7-ASEAN Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in Liverpool on Dec. 11.
During their meeting in Liverpool, Locsin told Milling that the Philippines looks forward to its continued collaboration with the European nation.
“Our relations are on a fine trajectory. We look forward to continued collaboration under your and FCDO Secretary Truss’ able leadership, especially as we mark the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations,” Locsin said.
Among the topics discussed according to the DFA were the two nations' ongoing bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, the UK’s role and contributions in the Indo-Pacific, the outcomes of COP26, and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Locsin likewise welcomed Milling’s tweet reaffirming the importance the UK attaches to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a stable South China Sea, noting the "recent incidents that have raised tensions and urge against actions that hinder the peaceful settlement of disputes".
"We‘ve consistently said that everyone needs to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Award," Milling said.
In addition, Locsin expressed appreciation for the UK’s donation of AstraZeneca vaccines to the Philippines. By the end of 2021, the UK would have given the Philippines more than 5.8 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines via direct donation and through the COVAX Facility.
The meeting between Locsin and Milling was a follow-up to their phone call during the latter's official visit to the Philippines last October.
Secretary Locsin and Minister Milling highlighted the strong ties between the Philippines and the UK, which are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.
Last month, Locsin and UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss launched the Philippines-UK enhanced partnership in London.