UK assured Phl to maintain rules-based system

The Philippines assured the United Kingdom that it believes in maintaining a rulesbased system and in engaging international organizations more actively on issues that concern them.

During the courtesy call of British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano took the opportunity to assure the British official that the Philippines believes in maintaining a rules-based system and in engaging international organizations.

“We both look forward to the convening of our 8th High Level Meeting in November where both our countries will engage in more detailed discussions to move bilateral relations forward,” Cayetano said after he received Field during a courtesy call.

The two ministers agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UK.

The Philippines wants to have stronger ties and more frequent exchanges with the UK, particularly in trade and investment, law enforcement, and education.

“In line with our policy of being ‘a friend to all and an enemy to none,’ we look forward to further engagement with the UK on various fronts,” he said.

Cayetano said he and Field discussed how Manila and London could further enhance their cooperation in such fields as education, law enforcement, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, and the campaign against illegal drugs.