Philippines, UK Hold 2nd Strategic Dialogue in London

LONDON 05 February 2025 – The 2nd Philippines-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue was held in London, UK on 03 February 2025, co-chaired by Philippine Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) Catherine West MP.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr., and UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beafils also joined their respective delegations. 

The Strategic Dialogue is the outcome of the Philippines-UK Enhanced Partnership officially launched in November 2021. Since the launch in 2021, both countries have hosted thematic meetings in five strategic areas of cooperation, referred to as “Pillars” of the Partnership. These pillars include Political Affairs, Defense, Maritime, Economic and Trade, and Climate and Environment. 

During the Dialogue, Undersecretary Lazaro and Minister West identified the next milestones of PH-UK bilateral relations, with emphasis on concluding new agreements (MOUs) in trade and investments, maritime, defense, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and health sectors expected to be concluded this year, leading towards the commemorative celebration of the 80th anniversary of PH-UK bilateral relations in 2026. 

Both delegations also looked forward to the conclusion of the Joint Framework Agreement (JFA), set for signature in March 2025.  

Undersecretary Lazaro and Minister West exchanged perspectives and positions on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Undersecretary Lazaro expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued support for advancing the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the visit to the UK, Undersecretary Lazaro also met with the UK's Director General for the Indo-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa and ASEAN Senior Official, Mr. Owen Jenkins, CMG. In their meeting, both officials agreed to discuss and pursue practical and essential areas of cooperation between ASEAN and the UK, including during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026. 

Undersecretary Lazaro also met with Mr. George Freeman MP, the new UK Trade Envoy to the Philippines, where they explored possible areas for cooperation in trade and investments.  

The Undersecretary also met with Mr. Nick Catsaras CMG, the new UK Deputy National Security Adviser for International Affairs, and exchanged views on various regional and global security issues of mutual concern. END