9^TH PH-UK High Level Meeting Charts New Directions for Enhanced Partnership

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo led the Philippine delegation at the 9^th High Level Meeting in London. (London PE photo)

LONDON 29 November 2019 – The Philippines and the United Kingdom successfully concluded their 9^th High Level Meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London on 15 November 2019.  The Philippine delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo, while Ms. Kate White, Director for Asia and the Pacific of the FCO, led the British delegation.

The meeting reviewed the developments in PH-UK bilateral relations over the past year in areas such as economic dialogue/trade and investment, defense cooperation, climate change, environment, consular cooperation, counter terrorism, aviation and maritime security, education, science and technology, and cultural cooperation.  Both countries expressed satisfaction over their continuing collaboration in these areas and noted their governments’ willingness to work together to face the challenges ahead.

The delegations briefed each other on recent political developments in their respective countries as well as each government’s perspectives on strategic regional and international events taking place in the global stage and how these events affect the regional environment, particularly in Asia and Europe.

The highlight of the 9^th High Level Meeting was the recognition by both delegations that the continuing enhancement of the PH-UK partnership deserved a fresh and expanded approach to the annual High Level Meeting.  Among other initiatives agreed upon was the conduct of a separate consultation on consular matters. The formation of other working groups is expected to be considered as discussions on the enhanced partnership develop in time for the 10^th High Level Meeting to be hosted by the Philippines in 2020. END

For more information, visit https://www.londonpe.dfa.gov.ph   or https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUK  or https://twitter.com/philippinesinuk