The Philippines and the United Kingdom have committed to further strengthen their defense ties, anchored on their common position on respect for maritime law and open Indo-Pacific.

UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Defense Engagement Annabel Goldie is in the country for the first time and visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday.

AFP public affairs office chief, Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, said on Friday Goldie emphasized the importance of sharing expertise and knowledge between the two nations for mutual benefit.

The high-ranking UK official met with AFP Inspector General, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, and discussed Philippine-UK military engagements supported by the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.

“The two officials also upheld their common position on the respect for maritime law and in calling out illegal activities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” Ileto said in a statement.

Gonzales thanked the UK for its support for the military’s peace and development projects, especially in the Bangsamoro region.

Apart from meeting with defense officials, Goldie also met with Philippine Coast Guard officials.

In a statement posted on the official UK website, Goldie said her nation is committed to its relationship with the Philippines.

“I am pleased both to be visiting for the first time and to be the first UK Defense Minister to visit in many years,” she said.

Goldie is expected to visit HMS Spey in Legazpi City and attend the closing ceremonies of naval exercise SAMA SAMA.

“I look forward to visiting Exercise SAMA SAMA, and discussing how the UK and the Philippines can deepen our defense cooperation as part of our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said. (PNA)