President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. welcomed United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy to Malacañang Palace on Saturday.

During their meeting, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines could further strengthen its people-to-people exchanges with the UK, citing the robust ties between the two nations.

He noted the significant increase in the number of Filipinos living and working in the UK, highlighting it as a clear indication of the strong relationship between the two countries.

"That's a very clear indication of how strong our relations have become in many, many areas. So, I'm sure your visit will be a symbol of that strengthening relationship," Marcos said.

The President also conveyed his gratitude to the UK for warmly welcoming Filipinos, many of whom have built their careers there.

Currently, over 200,000 Filipinos work in the UK across various sectors, including IT, aviation, hospitality and service, and healthcare. Since 2001, there has been a steady rise in the number of Filipino engineers and IT experts employed by British telecommunications, software, and e-commerce firms.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation

Lammy’s visit to the Philippines aims to promote an enhanced partnership between the two nations. He and Marcos discussed key issues, including trade and investment, maritime security, climate change, and environmental sustainability.

Lammy assumed the role of Foreign Secretary on 5 July 2024, following the Labour Party’s victory under Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the UK general election.

Prior to meeting Marcos, Lammy also held talks with his Filipino counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

The UK’s top diplomat reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order. In response, Manalo expressed appreciation for the UK's continued support for “a free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

The Philippines and the UK formally established diplomatic relations on 4 July 1946, and the latest discussions underscore a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.