President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday that the Philippines could still boost its people-to-people exchanges with the United Kingdom (UK) due to their strong relations

Marcos made the statement in a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy in Malacanang.

The President cited the significant increase in the number of Filipinos living and working in the UK. He informed Lammy that the UK-based Filipinos are grateful for how the UK has welcomed them.

“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,” he said.

An estimated 200,000 Filipinos are in the UK, working in various sectors, including IT, aviation, hospitality and service, and healthcare. Since 2001, there has been an increase in the number of Filipino engineers and IT experts working with British telecommunication, software, and e-commerce solutions companies.

Lammy is in the Philippines to promote the enhanced partnership between the Philippines and the UK further.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed issues related to trade and investments, maritime, climate change, and the environment.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UK were established on July 4, 1946. Presidential News Desk