British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Karel Hejc have paid courtesy calls on newly elected Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

During their meeting on Tuesday, Beaufils highlighted the smooth relations between UK and the Philippines, emphasizing how bilateral trade between the two nation is at an all-time high.

During their meeting, Escudero and Beaufils discussed potential areas of cooperation in green infrastructure, renewable energy, defense, agriculture, and technology.

Both leaders also explored strategic communications support, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI).

“There should be an AI shift in the country in the next three years. Otherwise, we will be left out,” Escudero stated.

“We should take advantage of AI and digitization to improve the process for policy making, research, and education,” he said.

Beaufils expressed her support to Escudero, stating that “the UK will be happy to share with the Senate or the government in general, knowledge on AI and finding balance in its thoughtful use.”

Escudero’s discussion with the UK envoy also touched on regional security, with the UK reaffirming its support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hejc congratulated the new Senate leader on his election and emphasized the renewed vigor in bilateral relations, particularly following President Marcos’ visit to the Czech Republic last March.

The hour-long meeting highlighted the growing cooperation and friendship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.

“Some of the agreements reached during President Marcos' visit have already taken off,” Hejc said, noting that there are new government-to-government cooperations in fields such as agriculture, energy, and defense.

Hejc also cited the rich historical ties between the two countries, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the re-establishment of their diplomatic relations.

The Czech envoy recalled the friendship between Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Prague-born Ferdinand Blumentritt in the 1890s and paid homage to the 14 Czechoslovakians who volunteered to join the Allied Forces during World War II, some of whom died in the Bataan Death March.

Hejc assured Escudero of the Czech Republic's steadfast support, describing his country as a "friend, partner, and ally" to the Philippines.

Hejc also expressed concern over the current situation in the West Philippine Sea, stressing that it is not just an isolated issue but a global concern being closely monitored by the Czech Republic and other European countries.

In response, Escudero thanked Hejc for his congratulatory remarks and for the Czech Republic's support to the Filipino people.

“As you know, we rely on our friends from the international community to help us as we strive to give our people a better country and a better future,” the Senate chief said.

Escudero also said the Philippines looks forward to “more engaging partnerships in various fields such as energy, agriculture, science and technology, and defense” with the Czech Republic.