President Aquino receives courtesy call from UK Foreign Minister

Manila (22 July) — President Benigno C. Aquino III received a courtesy call yesterday (July 21) morning from the new Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom, Jeremy Browne.

The meeting was held at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace, and increased trade and investment between the Philippines and the UK topped the agenda. They likewise discussed ways to improve the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as possible assistance from the British government in Mindanao peace efforts.

Browne also took the opportunity to extend Britain ‘s appreciation of the role of Filipino workers, especially nurses and caregivers, in British society. In the past six years, more than 20,000 Filipinos were recruited into the UK health service.

“We recognize the massive contribution of the Filipino workers to our society,” Browne said. “They are hardworking and caring.”

Browne, who was appointed Minister of State of the FCO on May 14 this year, will be in the Philippines from July 20 to 22 as part of his South East Asian trip aimed at actively promoting the business relationship between the Philippines and the rest of South East Asia. This is his first trip to Asia since the assumption of his post.

The courtesy call was an opportune meeting between representatives of two newly installed governments. While the Aquino administration was installed on June 30, the new British coalition government was formed on May 12, 2010, with Tory leader David Cameron as Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg as his Deputy Prime Minister.

The last UK Foreign Secretary to visit the Philippines was Robin Cook in August 1997.

The UK has always been a major European bilateral partner of the Philippines, which is currently attracting serious interest throughout Europe due to what are deemed to be positive developments brought about by the Aquino administration’s policies in fostering political stability, economic growth, and social security. The total bilateral trade between the Philippines and the UK in 2008 was recorded at US$791 million, in favor of the Philippines.

The UK is cumulatively the biggest European investor in the country, with British investment amounting to US$18 billion in the past decade. There are around 200 British companies active in the Philippines, ranging from multi-national to small and medium enterprises. (PIA-MMIO)