British Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Laure Beaufils highlighted how the significant achievements under the United Kingdom-Philippines Enhanced Partnership (EP) will boost the “joint ambitions” of the two countries in the areas of economy, trade, maritime security, and climate change.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets United Kingdom Foreign Secretary James Spencer Cleverly in Malacañang on Aug. 29, 2023. (PPA Pool/Yummie Dingding)

While taking pride in the achievements of the partnership, which was launched in 2021, the envoy said the two countries must not rest and draw inspiration from the goals that have already been delivered.

“There is much we can already celebrate but we will not rest on our laurels. We are drawing on the momentum already generated to scale up our joint ambitions,” she wrote in an editorial on the British government’s website.

“The Joint Statement of Intent is a vote of confidence in the power of partnerships and the strengthening ties between the UK and the Philippines,” she added, referring to the statement issued by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Cleverly was in the Philippines last week.

The statement set out the countries’ shared ambition to further bolster the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership.

“As he (Cleverly)and President Bongbong Marcos agreed, we share a common global outlook and enjoy strong partnerships,” Beaufils said.

“Indeed, the UK and the Philippines have a mature, long-lasting relationship, solidly grounded in mutual respect, a shared belief in openness, freedom and the rule of law, and a shared commitment to promoting a stable and peaceful rules-based international order,” the envoy added.

Under the partnership, the ambassador shared that “significant, tangible achievements” included a trade relationship worth £2.6 billion and the trade preference scheme that allowed 99 percent of Filipino exports eligible for tariff free access to the UK.

She also took pride in UK’s bolstering of its maritime engagements with the Philippines, adding that the two partners have “taken it to new levels.”

“We have been clear in our support for the Philippines on the importance of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework for all activities in the ocean and seas,” Beaufils wrote, adding that there was a broadened cooperation on maritime law, as well as in promoting maritime domain awareness and advancing marine environmental protection.

Although noting the support shown by the UK in the peace process in southern Philippines, as well as in extending scholarships to eligible students, the ambassador stressed that both countries have begun investing in “key new relationships and programs,” such as in cybersecurity and technology.