A British parliamentarian is returning to the Philippines to continue his engagements with local officials regarding various efforts, which include peace talks in Mindanao.
Jack McConnell, a member of the United Kingdom House of Lords, will engage with key leaders from the national and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governments during his visit, the British Embassy in Manila announced.
It did not provide the date of his arrival, but the embassy said McConnell will reiterate and strengthen the UK’s support to the peaceful transition of the Bangsamoro to a fully realized regional democracy.
In 2023, McConnell was also in the Philippines for talks concerning peace process in Mindanao.
He has been visiting the region since 2014, sharing his experience of leading a devolved parliament.
Last year, McConnell visited Davao City together with British Ambassador to Manila, Laure Beaufils, where they met with the Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA), other BARMM ministers, sectoral and community representatives of the Council of Leaders and civil society organizations.
He discussed international support for the peace process with members of the International Contact Group (ICG) and United Nations Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.
“At this crucial period, it is important to stay true to the commitments made in the journey to achieve peace in the Bangsamoro region,” he said.
“The cornerstones of a sustainable peace will be upholding democracy, good governance, and inclusion,” he added.