United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils on Tuesday celebrated a “very busy and exciting year” in UK-Philippines relations, particularly on deepening collaboration on trade, defense, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
In her final King’s Birthday Party speech, Beaufils pointed to a landmark year that included high-level visits, new bilateral mechanisms, and “cutting edge” partnerships.
Among the highlights: “Our UK Foreign Secretary David Lamy was here a few months ago… launching our Enhanced Partnership joint delivery framework.”
This framework, she said, sets out “the breadth and depth of our engagements and what real life results we will deliver together in the year to come,” spanning climate, science, security, AI governance, cyber security, and trade.
She also cited the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) co-chaired by UK Minister Douglas Alexander and Philippine Trade Undersecretary Alan Gepty.
The growing scope of cooperation, from Universal Health Care to organized crime, AI ethics to maritime defense, “is supported by the growth of our embassy in Manila,” Beaufils said.
“There are countless examples of initiatives where our work is making a real life difference – to the people of the UK and that of the Philippines, but also to regional peace and security, and indeed, to the Global Commons,” she added.
With the UK being a staunch supporter of UNCLOS and international maritime law, Beaufils reiterated Britain’s support for Philippine sovereignty.
“We continue to stand with the Philippines in support of sovereignty and territorial integrity and to condemn actions that attempt to challenge international law by force or coercion, and that raise tensions,” she said.
She added: “Indeed – our relationship is not just growing, it is blossoming.” Veronica Uy
