Stronger ties through the years

FOR MANY YEARS now, the Philippines and United Kingdom have worked persistently to foster more robust cultural, political and economic exchanges. Despite the two countries’ diverse historical backgrounds and the world’s changing geopolitical landscape, bilateral ties between the two nations have remained strong and intact. Their genuine partnership has prospered through the years and is becoming stronger as they continue to share mutual interest in achieving inclusive growth and addressing global challenges.

The relations between the Philippines and UK date back to the arrival of an English sea captain and privateer Francis Drake in Mindanao in 1579 after an almost three year circumnavigational voyage. Since then, the economic interaction between the two countries has continued, with the Philippines becoming part of the footprint of the East India Company and British companies, which led the way in building transportation infrastructure in the country.

Although Filipinos and British had long contact with each other, only on July 4, 1946 were the formal diplomatic relations between the two countries established. To further enrich these relations, former President Joseph E. Estrada issued the Proclamation No. 381 that declares Dec. 7, 2000 and every year thereafter as Philippine-British Friendship Day. But, in response to a request from the former UK Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham, made in 2008, then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo moved the friendship day to Oct. 20 to coincide with the inauguration of the new office of the British Embassy in Taguig City.

Through the years, the Philippines and UK relationship has been nurtured by maximizing commercial opportunities for British businesses and focusing on significant areas of cooperation such as economic development, disaster planning, environment, and human rights issues.

At present, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the UK government are represented by British Ambassador to the Philippines, Daniel R. Pruce, who started his post in August. Although new at his job, Mr. Pruce already saw the big opportunities that would strengthen the links between the two countries.

“The fundamental responsibility of an ambassador for any country is to understand the environment they are working within. [ When] they understand it, then they can explain it to their own government back home. And with that understanding and explanation, you can then identify ways, you can work together, you can collaborate, you can advance your shared interests,” Mr. Pruce said in a table discussion with the local press.

Mr. Pruce shared that even the Philippines and UK have distinct histories, the two nations have great similarities. Both countries share a strong interest in entertainment, performing arts, music and dance, among others. He pointed out that there is a commonality in the spirit of both countries that connects their lives.

“We are both island nations. We both have an outward looking perspective on the world. The sea is part and parcel of our heritage, of our lives, of our history. And I think that again creates a commonality,” Mr. Pruce said.

The Philippines and UK have always been open countries and welcoming to