UK Philippine relations
The Philippines and the UK enjoy good relations as longstanding partners and allies. Both are outward looking island nations committed to democracy, trade and investment, and support for the United Nations. As well as close government-to-government relations the two nations have contacts at all levels of civil society.
The British Embassy in Manila aims to develop the already close and substantive bilateral relationship by focusing on several key areas of co-operation:
- Providing assistance and sharing knowledge on combating domestic and international terrorism
- Maximising commercial opportunities for British business. Britain has major investments in the Philippines concentrated in power, energy, agri-business, transport, water and financial services. Bilateral trade is worth around US$2bn annually, with the balance in the Philippines' favour. The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in the Philippines
- Working with the Philippine Government on issues of common concern, such as human rights issues, environment, disaster planning, international crime and kidnapping
- Supporting the work of the Philippine Government and Non-Governmental Organisations in conflict prevention and peace building
- Promoting inter-faith dialogue between Muslims, Christians and Indigenous Peoples
- Providing £8m in aid to help fund the replacement of around 250 bridges on the Philippines' national roads network
The British Council has an office in Manila and the Council is an active partner in the Philippine Government's reform agenda. Aside from close collaboration with the British Embassy, the Council works with the Commission on Higher Education, the Asian Development Bank, various government departments, universities and NGOs on projects in the areas of education, English language teaching and governance. By promoting British education and UK qualifications, they aim to help make Filipinos more competitive in the global market. The Council uses the arts to tap the potential of young Filipinos, facilitating inter-cultural exchange and demonstrating the quality and cutting edge nature of British design, film, literature, music, theatre, dance and the visual arts.
