The Philippines and the United Kingdom on Saturday signed a landmark agreement to expand collaboration across various sectors, including defense and trade.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and visiting British Foreign Minister David Lammy MP formalized the “Philippines-UK Joint Framework” in Taguig City.

Since the launch of the Philippines-UK Enhanced Partnership in 2021, Manalo said total bilateral trade have reached 2.9 billion pounds in recent years while the UK has remained as one of the country’s top investment partners.

Lammy said the framework will allow the UK and the Philippines “to deliver more cooperation” on defense and regional security, trade, science and technology, and climate, among others, “over this coming period.”

The top British diplomat said the volatility experienced across the globe alone should compel like-minded countries like the UK and the Philippines to strengthen ties.

“For me to come to the Philippines off the back of a trip that I made to Japan, to come to countries where we see the world through the same eyes, we’re aligned in our approach — there is so much that we can continue to do together,” he said.

Under the framework, Manalo said Manila will build on the milestones it reached with the UK the past years and “pursue new engagements” to set the stage for “wider, deeper and practical ways forward.”

“Today, Secretary Lammy and I agreed to sustain cooperation on matters of pressing mutual concern such as defense and security, human rights, maritime, and economic resilience,” he said.

He also welcomed the UK’s Indo-Pacific Approach, recognizing its commitment to maintaining a free, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The Philippines and the UK plan to hold sectoral dialogue mechanisms on defense, maritime, climate and environment later this year.

While details are still under discussion, Manalo hinted that agreements in defense and security, information and communications technology, maritime affairs, and financial cooperation could be finalized during the meetings.

Asked if a deal similar to visiting forces agreement with the UK is under consideration, the Philippine official said “it is still a possibility.”

“Nothing firm yet but certainly that could be something in the horizon,” he said in an interview. (PNA)