PH vows to strengthen further cooperation with UK

FILE: “The Philippine government is committed to continued engagement with the UK in furthering our longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. 
(PNA photo)

MANILA — The government on Friday expressed its commitment to further strengthen cooperation with United Kingdom (UK), acknowledging its support in the development efforts of the country.

“The Philippine government is committed to continued engagement with the UK in furthering our longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The UK has remained one of the most active bilateral partners of the Philippines in the political, security, economic, cultural and people-to-people spheres.

The Philippines and the UK have enjoyed 71 years of “friendly, productive and dynamic relations.”

The European Union (EU) earlier said it would work constructively and productively with the Philippines in various areas and contexts, including in the United Nations (UN) context.

It clarified that the visit of the “International Delegates of the Progressive Alliance” to the Philippines this week was not a “European Union mission”, as falsely reported by some media outlets.

“The statements made by the Progressive Alliance during its visit to the Philippines were made solely on behalf of the Progressive Alliance and do not represent the position of the European Union,” the EU said.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said “this delegation’s irresponsible statements protesting the alleged killings under the Duterte administration demean our status as a sovereign nation.”