President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening ties with the United Kingdom (UK) and Belgium as he welcomed their new ambassadors.

Marcos received the credentials of UK Ambassador Sarah Hulton and Belgian Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova.

Marcos told Hulton that the Philippines considers the UK as its steadfast partner, according to the Presidential Communications Office’s (PCO) news release on Wednesday.

“The relations between the UK and the Philippines have certainly stood the test of time and have just grown stronger and deeper as the years go on,” he said, as quoted by the PCO.

Hulton said she looks forward to working with the Marcos administration in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities.

She also expressed condolences for the victims of recent natural disasters in the Philippines and reaffirmed the UK’s support for humanitarian efforts.

“It is a great honor that I return to the Philippines after nearly 20 years, with a deep appreciation for our enduring friendship between our countries,” Hulton said.

The Philippines and the United Kingdom established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946.

Marcos, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Belgium would deepen under Iordanova’s watch.

“Our two countries have enjoyed a long time of warm and cordial relations, which I hope will continue and strengthen at every level, people-to-people level all the way to government-to-government level,” he told Iordanova, as quoted by the PCO.

“I look forward to the work we will do to bring our countries closer together.”

Iordanova assured Marcos of her commitment to enhancing the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium were established on July 4, 1946. (PNA)