The Philippines and the United Kingdom are exploring the possibility of holding a third maritime dialogue before 2025 ends, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025. (Photo courtesy of DFA)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro disclosed this after meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy in Kuala Lumpur on July 10.
The possibility of holding a maritime dialogue anew was discussed during their bilateral talk on maritime and defense cooperation, which they seek to strengthen.
This is part of their intention to advance bilateral relations and explore significant multilateral initiatives.
“Key highlights of the meeting include discussion on areas of cooperation in maritime and defense, particularly in strategic communication and maritime domain awareness,” the DFA said in a statement on Friday, July 11.
“The Philippines and United Kingdom are exploring the possibility of having its 3rd Maritime Dialogue in Manila sometime before the end of this year,” it added.
In anticipation of the Philippine Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN_ Chairship in 2026, Lammy expressed commitment to ASEAN with respect to advancing regional security, maritime cooperation, and strategic dialogue, the DFA also said.
The meeting also explored potential collaborations in possible defense and trade partnerships, as well climate change issues, particularly the ASEAN common carbon markets.